The UK's new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market declined in (plate change month) September, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) which showed 57,368 new LCVs were driven off forecourts, a 4.2% fall compared with the same month last year.
Demand for pickups and heavier vans was broadly stable, both experiencing rises of 0.4% and 0.1% respectively. Elsewhere, demand for smaller vans fell, with those weighing 2.0-2.5T down 10.7%. The market for vans under 2.0 tonnes also waned, down 25.5%. Year to date, figures show a 3.1% fall overall, with demand for popular heavier vans and those weighing less than 2.0 tonnes playing their part, declining 3.2% and 20.2% respectively.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "Business confidence has taken a hit recently as economic and political uncertainty continues, so fluctuations in purchasing patterns are to be expected. We must remember that the van market remains at a historically high level but growth will depend on better economic conditions and business confidence, something government must prioritise."
