The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market remained "stable" in February, with year-on-year demand growing by 1.8%, according to the latest data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Some 249 more vans and pick-ups left British forecourts in February (typically one of the year's smallest months due partly as it's the month before the twice-yearly registration plate year identifier changes on 1 March) compared with 2018, as strong market incentives boosted registrations.
Large vans weighing 2.5-3.5 tonnes drove growth, rising 4.2% to take 65% of market share.
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Car-derived vans weighing up to 2.0 tonnes also saw an increase, up 4.6%. Meanwhile, demand for pick-ups and medium-sized vans fell, down 2.4% and 4.5% respectively.
Year to date, 36,620 new LCVs have been registered, a rise of 5.8% year on year.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, "While stability in the new van market in February is welcome news, it is important to remember that February is typically a quiet month, as buyers await the March plate change. The increase follows a turbulent few months for van registrations and the effect of ongoing political and economic uncertainty on business confidence is likely to result in further fluctuations throughout the year."
