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March 2018 new van market slips up

Van demand slips in March 2018 1
Van demand slips in March 2018 despite uptick in sales of smaller vans and pick-ups

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11 April 2018

  • UK new van registrations fall -5.6% in March, with just under 60,000 hitting UK roads.
  • Smaller vans are up (1.8%) and pick-ups show demand (6.8%) but these LCVs fail to offset declines for medium (-2.0%) and heavier (-10.5%) models.
  • More than 94,000 new van registrations in Q1 – dropping -3.7% compared to the same period in 2017

ALONG with the disappointing March 2018 new car figures, vans and light commercials also went the same way.

Downwards – by 5.6%, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

It was not all gloom. Vans weighing less than 2.0 tonnes, pick-ups and 4x4s all saw an increase in demand during March, up 1.8%, 6.8% and 73.9% respectively.

March 2018 new van market slips upNevertheless, medium and heavier vans, with registrations of vehicles weighing >2.0-2.5 tonnes down -2.0% and vehicles >2.5-3.5 tonnes falling -10.5% dragged the figures down.

Year-to-date, 94,374 new LCVs have been registered on UK roads, a drop of -3.7% on the first quarter in 2017, with the bulk of the decline in the market for vans weighing >2.5-3.5 tonnes.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, commented:

“A decline in the important plate change month of March is a concern and we need the right economic conditions to restore market stability and encourage buyers to invest in new commercial vehicles.

“The new van market is a key barometer of business confidence and while uncertainty remains, a degree of fluctuation in demand is to be expected this year.”

Russell Adams, Commercial Vehicle Manager at Lex Autolease, added:

“As we’d expect, March was a good month for van registrations as businesses look to take advantage of the new number plates. However, in a year that’s been fairly flat for the market, it’s not surprising that overall sales were down year-on-year.

March 2018 new van market slips up“A big factor in the slowdown is that businesses are taking a lot more time over their purchasing decisions. Political uncertainty and looming tax and regulatory change has undoubtedly encouraged businesses to pause for thought, but the increasing amount of choice available in the market is just as much a factor.

“Understandably, it takes more time to consider the increasing range of options available – smaller panel vans, for example, that can take on job roles traditionally performed by heavier vehicles. There is also the potential for new driving technology and fuel types to explore. Across the board, we’re seeing enquiries focus far more on whole-life cost, which in turn, is causing businesses to consider when and how ULEVs could play a role for them as well. “

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Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton

Ralph Morton is an award-winning journalist and the founder of Business Car Manager (now renamed Business Motoring). Ralph writes extensively about the car and van leasing industry as well as wider fleet and company car issues. A former editor of What Car?, Ralph is a vastly experienced writer and editor and has been writing about the automotive sector for over 35 years.

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