The UK new gentle business car (LCV) market grew for the second consecutive month in February, rising by 8.5% to 17,540 models, in accordance with the most recent figures revealed right now by the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants (SMMT)
The UK new gentle business car (LCV) market grew for the second consecutive month in February, rising by 8.5% to 17,540 models, in accordance with the most recent figures revealed right now by the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants (SMMT). Whereas February is historically a risky month on account of small volumes as many operators delay procurements till March and the brand new quantity plate, the rise marks the most effective February efficiency since 1998, the 12 months earlier than the bi-annual plate change was launched.1
Registrations of vans weighing larger than 2.5 to three.5 tonnes rose by 14.0% to succeed in 12,125 models, greater than two thirds of the full market (69.1%), whereas vans weighing as much as and together with 2.0 tonnes elevated by 5.2%. Conversely, medium-sized vans weighing larger than 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes fell by -16.5% to three,361 models, reflecting the broader long-term development in the direction of bigger models. The smaller quantity pickup and 4×4 utility segments each noticed double-digit development, up 42.3% and 90.8% respectively.
Deliveries of battery electrical vans, in the meantime, declined to 966 models, down -44.5% on a very sturdy February in 2022, with historically smaller volumes within the month accentuating pure fluctuations in fleet funding. With extra new fashions set to hit the market within the coming months, development is predicted to renew, with the most recent market outlook anticipating electrified van registrations to rise by 64.5% to some 28,000 models this 12 months.2 Lengthy-term development to satisfy web zero ambitions, nonetheless, will rely upon a powerful, versatile market and devoted infrastructure, which is thus far missing.
12 months so far, general LCV registrations are up by 17.5% on the identical interval in 2022 and by 5.3% on the primary two months of 2020,3 pre-pandemic, reflecting demand for these essential automobiles from key sectors.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Government, mentioned,
Following a torrid 2022, the UK van market is returning to sustained development that’s exceeding even pre-pandemic ranges. Given the significance of vans to maintaining the British financial system and society on the transfer, this development is nice information. With the ZEV market nonetheless at a really early stage, nonetheless, a concerted effort by all stakeholders to speed up van-suitable chargepoint set up should turn out to be an pressing precedence, enabling long-term web zero fleet funding on the scale needed.
1 February 1998: 18,044 models.
2 January-February 2020: 37,660 models.
3 SMMT UK new automotive and van forecast – February 2023.
SOURCE: SMMT
