UK van market falls in traditionally slow February

Uk mild business motor vehicle (LCV) registrations fell 6% to 16,165 models in February 2022 as opposed with the very same month last 12 months, when pent up demand noticed the current market develop 22.%, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The next month of the yr is also traditionally risky because of to little volume as quite a few operators delay acquisitions until the new amount plate (22 this calendar year) in March.

Regardless of the international lack of semiconductors and climbing financial headwinds together with inflation, the current market remained 14.6% above pre-pandemic levels, reflecting continued need from vital sectors.

Freshly registered big vans, which account for two thirds of the LCV industry, totalled 10,638 models, 9.9% down 12 months on yr, but medium sized automobiles weighing increased than 2. tonnes to 2.5 tonnes, elevated 36.9%.

Small vans and pickups decreased by 52.2% and 36% respectively, when higher need for 4x4s continued, increasing by 49%, although this stays a fractional phase.

Desire for battery electric powered vans grew an extraordinary 347.6% in the month with 1,741 models registered, principally as a final result of some sizeable fleet orders, which positively distorted the customarily very low quantity month.

In general uptake continue to stays some distance behind passenger autos, nonetheless, and it is vital that financial commitment in electrical auto charging infrastructure provides self-assurance to businesses and self-employed van operators throughout the Uk to make the switch.

12 months to date, LCV registrations were being down 18.2%, while this is in comparison with a potent begin to 2021, when the design and dwelling shipping and delivery sectors were being sizeable drivers of need.

SMMT forecasts the LCV marketplace to grow 2% over-all in 2022, ending the calendar year just shy of pre-pandemic degrees and indicating a stabilisation of the sector.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief govt, explained, “LCV registrations have experienced a a bit slower start out when compared to last year’s bumper efficiency, reflecting the cyclical mother nature of fleet operator financial investment, but stay strong. Global provide shortages and economic headwinds keep on being a challenge, even so, and the sector’s switch to zero emission automobiles should turn into mainstream. Additional electrified styles are coming on to the marketplace this calendar year but we will need the chargepoint rollout to speed up, giving more operators larger self-assurance to changeover to the newest electrical vans.”