The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market grew by more than a quarter (+26.4%) in September, according to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) data.

In total, 52,096 vans, pickups and 4x4s were registered in the month, up 10,880 units on the weak September 2019 when regulatory changes distorted the market.

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New van registrations were still down -3.3% on 2018's September market and declined by 6.6% on the September average between 2014-2018.

Nearly all segments saw double digit increases against previous low volume with the only exception being small vans weighing less than or equal to 2.0 tonnes decreasing 2.5%, 74 vans fewer than last year. Registrations of medium vans weighing more than 2.0 tonnes to up to 2.5 tonnes grew 11.6%, while the biggest segment, larger vans weighing more than 2.5 and up to 3.5 tonnes saw the sharpest increase, up by 9,000 units, or 40.9% on September last year.

Meanwhile performance for the year to date remained low, down 27.4% or almost 80,000 units below 2019 levels.

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