After a record 2015, registrations of vans in the UK fell 4.3% year on year in January 2016 to 21,102 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
It was the first month of decline since July 2015. Demand for vans below 2.0 tonnes and between 2.0-2.5 tonnes fell by 11.8% and 23.3% respectively in the month, but better news came from the 2.5-3.5 tonne market – the sector's largest – where a 2.1% increase in registrations continued the trend towards heavier vehicles, driven by operators' desire to maximise fleet efficiency.
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SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "On the heels of a record-breaking 2015, which saw LCV registrations grow by an impressive 15.6%, January's levelling off in demand comes as no surprise, and is indicative of what we can expect for the coming year. The overall market remains very strong, with business confidence high and the trend for home deliveries still growing."
