Strong demand for new vans in the summer

Sales of new vans achieved their second best ever August last month as more than 20,000 were registered, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) today.

A total of 20,582 new vans joined UK roads last month, a 2.6% year to date increase on the pre-pandemic average, during what is typically the market’s second quietest month of the year.

But the organisation warns that concerns over the semi-conductor shortage that is affecting vehicle production still loom.

Light vans weighing 2.5 tonnes or less saw a decline of -23.3%, but vans weighing more than 2.5 tonnes saw a 7.0% increase in overall registrations “as demand for online shopping and construction remained robust and pandemic restrictions continued to ease across the UK”, the SMMT says.

Chief executive Mike Hawes said: “This year has proved to be one of the best ever for new van registrations, buoyed by strong demand and growing confidence as the economy continues to open up. The impact of the semi-conductor shortage on manufacturing is affecting commercial vehicle production, however, even if it is not immediately apparent in the registration figures.

“With even more new zero emission models coming to market, the choices available for fleet renewal are increasing rapidly, which can play a significant role in helping the UK meet its ambitious emissions reduction targets.”

Ford retains its top spot in the monthly and annual sales ranking, with its Transit Custom achieving the most registrations. More than 34,000 Transit Customs have been registered in 2021, with some 3,500 units joining in August.

The Ford Transit remains the second best-selling model.