The UK's new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market grew 9.6% in November to 29,035 vans and pick-ups, according to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Demand for pick-ups and 2.5-3.5t vans increased by 15.8% (to 3,876) and 12.9% (to 18,726) respectively, as new model introductions took off, counteracting falls in other segments of the market. Small and medium vans experienced declines, both falling -4.1% to 1,957 and 4,306, respectively.
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Throughout 2018 the market has seen the number of new registrations fluctuate with fleet buying cycles and business uncertainty. Demand for new LCVs is broadly stable year to date, down 0.7% compared with the same period last year, with 331,776 new vans and pick-ups registered in the UK – 2,357 fewer than the first 11 months of 2017, the SMMT said.
Mike Hawes, chief executive, said: "The rise in demand for new high tech, low emission vehicles in November is certainly good news. However, overall, the LCV market has been affected by weaker business confidence caused by economic uncertainty, reflected in fluctuating demand throughout the year."
