66 plate vans drive strong September for LCVs

Statistics published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed that the new van market experienced a moderate spike in demand of 1.9 percent when compared with the same period in 2015.

Over 59,000 new vans were registered in September, with large vans and pickups continuing to drive demand, helped by new 66 plate vans. In particular, pickups performed very well, enjoying an eighth consecutive month of growth with demand rising by 16.4 percent.

Large vans and pickups in demand

The trend for large vans persists, with registrations of new vans weighing 2-2.5-tonnes increasing by 11.2 percent and those at the biggest end of the LCV market (2.5-3.5-tonnes) up 5.2 percent.

This continued growth contributed to a total of 291,714 registration for the first three quarters of 2016 - a year-on-year increase of 2.7 percent and the first time since 2007 that LCV registrations have passed 290,000.

It's not all good news as light vans under 2.0-tonnes and 4x4s suffered dips in demand as the trend for large vans and pickups continues.

Once again, Ford tops the charts with over 19,000 Ford vans registered last month. Its dominance shows no sign of easing as it increased its market share. Demand for Ford vans has increased 6.5 percent year-on-year, while the manufacturer has over a third of all registrations. Volkswagen returned to its regular second place in the chart as Vauxhall slipped back down to fourth position, behind Peugeot. Depressingly for its competitors, if you combined the total sales of Ford's three nearest competitors they still fall over 1500 units short of Ford sales.

Citroen was September's biggest loser, sliding three places down the rankings to seventh. It was overtaken by Mercedes and Renault while Nissan held on to eighth. Mitsubishi leapt back into the top ten, which is rounded off by Fiat.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief executive, said: "The month of September did not disappoint, as businesses took advantage of the new 66-plate and a range of attractive and flexible finance options. To maintain this high level of demand and drive fleet renewal, positive business condition must be assured despite the long-term political and economic uncertainty."

66 plate vans on finance

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