“Business confidence and a drive to update van fleets to comply with ever increasing low-emission-zones, has contributed significantly to the increase in LCV registrations for this plate-change month,” said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK commenting on the latest SMMT’s new passenger van registration figures.
In September, Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) dealers registered a total of 44,760 new vans and light commercials, an increase of 28.1%. This is the ninth consecutive month of registration growth. Year-to-date figures reveal 257,979 new LCVs are on the road this year, an increase of 20.8%.
The heavier sectors of LCVs have improved substantially, with 2.0-2.5t sized vans rising to 7,085 units from 3,748 units, an 89% increase. This is unsurprising, with many manufacturers encouraged to increase the gross plated weight (GVW) of their LCVs, moving into the mid sector of 2.0 – 2.5t. The heavier, and most popular sized vans (2.5-3.5t) often purchased by fleets for online deliveries has increased to 29,150 units from 34,950 units, a 13% rise.
Although a smaller market, 4x4 experienced strong growth year-on-year, with 1,296 units on the road compared to last year’s 536 units, a 141.8% increase.
September saw an increase in the number of battery electric commercials registered, up a staggering 85.9% to 2,882 units. Whilst the volume for EV vans has increased to 14,296 units this year, it still only represents 5.5% of the market, a 0.2% increase from this time last year.
Sue Robinson added: “In recent discussions with van operators, it is the sheer price difference between diesel and electric light commercial that is holding back electric van adoption. On average, EV light commercials are a third more expensive than their diesel equivalent; it is therefore crucial that government intervenes with attractive price incentives to support the businesses and motorists in making their necessary switch to electric.”
ENDS -
NOTES TO EDITORS -
Adam Weeks, NFDA Communications Officer
Direct: 020 7307 3413
Mobile: 0788 003 9897
Email: adam.weeks@rmif.co.uk
