New UK van market sees only moderate decline in 2018

The new van market has seen a moderate decline of -1.3% in 2018, according to figures by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). December demand fell -8.8%, representing half of the annual decline.

Performance in 2018 was boosted by the strong pickup and 4x4 models (up 4.3 per cent and 303.4 per cent respectively), meaning 3,548 more of them on the road compared with the previous year. Overall registrations of 357,325 were still enough to make 2018 the fourth best year on record, beating industry forecasts.

Fleet buying cycles, model renewal and business uncertainty have all had an impact on the market, but the December decline represents more than half of the full-year decline of -4,824 units. Small (less than 2.0t) and medium-sized vans (2.0-2.5t) were hit hardest by the annual downturn, with full-year registrations of 25,070 and 50,956 accounting for -14.7% and -7.4% drops respectively. Larger vans (2.5-3.5t) matched their 2017 performance with 225,891 registered, a 0% change on last year.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: "This sector is a key indicator of business confidence in the UK, and operators need stability to renew their fleets. December’s performance was worrying, as was the overall drop in fleet purchases. Business confidence depends on government providing the right conditions, which first and foremost means taking a ‘No Deal’ Brexit off the table. We have a strong and competitive commercial vehicle market in the UK, one that can flourish in the right economic climate."