New van market shows significant growth in February!

New van registrations experienced an increase in demand in February, making up for January where registrations declined by 4.2 percent. Vansdirect reveals all!

Statistics released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have today revealed an increase of 6.4 percent in new van registrations in February 2018 in comparison with February 2017. In total 14,135 new vans were sold last month, in comparison with 13,291 in February 2017 as the new van market reacted positively to a disappointing start to the year.

New van registrations

The significant increase in February follows a decrease of 4.2 percent in January 2018. SMMT Chief Executive, Mike Hawes welcomed the news but expects more fluctuations over the coming months:

"February is typically a quiet month as buyers await the March plate change so the rise in demand is welcome news. However, with so much uncertainty in the UK at the moment and weak business confidence, we can expect further fluctuations in demand for the rest of the year."

Medium vans were the real beneficiaries last month, enjoying a 19.9 percent growth in new van registrations from February 2017 following a steady increase of 1.2 percent in January. Pick-up vans followed a slightly disappointing January where registrations declined 2.9 percent with a very positive February where registrations increased by 14.2 percent. Large vans also made up for a slightly disappointing January where new van registrations decreased by 1.8, with an increase in February of 2.5 percent. Not all new van categories enjoyed growth last month, small vans declined percent last month, albeit a far smaller decline than the 28.9 percent experienced in January.

February's best-selling new vans

The top 10 best-selling new vans saw some changes last month, however the top two best-selling new vans remained the same as Ford vans continued their dominance. The Ford Transit Custom again led the way in first place in the table, with its' big brother the Ford Transit in second place. The Mercedes Sprinter rose four places to third in the table, displacing the Volkswagen Transporter which fell one place to fourth in the table. Ford vans had another two entries in the top 10 for the second month running, with the Ford Transit Connect falling one place to sixth in the table and the Ford Ranger falling four places to eighth.

Peugeot vans also enjoyed a fruitful February with two vans in the top ten charts. The Peugeot Partner rose one place to fifth in the table, whereas the Peugeot Boxer became a new entry into the table, taking tenth place. The 'sister van' of the Peugeot Partner also enjoyed a strong month in February, the Citroen Berlingo rose one place to seventh in the table. The Vauxhall Vivaro took up the remaining top ten place with ninth in the table, there was no place in the top ten for its 'sister van' the Renault Trafic, with the excellent medium van slipping from tenth place which it claimed in January. Renault vans will be hoping the Trafic can bounce back into in the top ten next month!

New vans on finance

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