New van market declines -5.9 per cent in July

The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market declined -5.9 per cent in July, with 23,309 vans and pick-ups registered, according to SMMT figures.

Pick-ups enjoyed a good month, with a 13.9 per cent growth in registrations, but demand for small, medium and large vans fell by -2.8 per cent, -28.0 per cent and -3.8 per cent respectively. Year-to-date registrations are down -2.7 per cent, with 204,005 new LCVs joining British roads since January, a result of fluctuating fleet buying cycles coupled with ongoing low business confidence.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “While variations in buying cycles are a natural feature of the light commercials sector and demand is still at high levels, the overall trend is one of decline. Ongoing uncertainty and low business confidence are undoubtedly having an effect; therefore government must address these concerns and create the conditions necessary for the market to prosper.”