Registrations of light commercials up to 3.5 tonnes increased by 14.4% in June compared to the same time last year despite ongoing supply constraints.
June saw 34,434 light commercial registrations according to the latest SMMT’s registration figures, an increment of more than 4,000 units compared to last year when 30,041 vehicles went on the road. Overall, the market performance is positive with a +1.8% increase compared with the 2015-2019’s average.
Although sales of light commercials grew in June, supply issues continue to affect the market. This is, in turn, inflating the price of used vans, making it difficult for dealers to evaluate prices to offer for part exchange against a new LCV.
Fleets had a major positive effect on the market as maximum capacity vans above 2.5–3.5 tonnes dominated with a 71% market share. Demand for these vehicles has been growing over the past few years thanks to a rise in online deliveries and they usually represent around 60% of all light commercials sold.
Year to date, all sectors of the light commercial market have experienced growth. However, in June, light ‘car derived vans’ under 2.0 tonnes saw a decline of -18.7% and mid-size vans between 2.0-2.5 tonnes were also down -4.3%; these vehicles are often used in the service industries.
The leading products for June were aligned with year-to-date trend with the Ford Transit Custom in first position, followed by Ford’s Large Transit commercial and Volkswagen’s Transporter.
There is a general belief the market could have performed even better, had it not been for the worldwide shortage of semiconductors which is slowing supplies.
Dealers are confident that the market will remain at high levels, but there are concerns with supply issues and subsequent delays in delivering new vans to customers.
