The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market returned to decline with a 16.1% decrease in demand, according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
In total, 19,407 vans and pickups were registered during what is traditionally the quietest month of the year for registrations.
Declines were recorded in all classes of vehicles, notably vans weighing more than 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes (18.2%) and vans weighing less than or equal to 2.0 tonnes (35.0%).
The market was more robust than originally predicted, but LCV registrations are still down by 36.4% year-to-date.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: “August is traditionally a quiet month as fleets wait for the new September plate, so even small volume declines can look big in percentage terms.
“However, with this sector particularly sensitive to the economic outlook, which remains uncertain, we urgently need measures to restore operator confidence to invest and renew their fleets – vital for achieving the government’s environmental and air quality goals.”
New LCV registrations grew by 7.1% in July, following four months of double-digit declines during the coronavirus pandemic.
Best-selling vans in August 2020
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (pictured) was the best selling van in August, amassing 3,471 registrations.
New car registrations declined by 5.8% in August, leaving the market almost 40% down year-to-date.
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Jessica is event and digital content co-ordinator for all our events.
She was the web producer at Fleet News, Commercial Fleet and Smart Transport until April 2023.
She started her career as a content writer for a digital marketing agency that specialised in financial services, where she worked for more than two years.
Jessica was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Multimedia Journalism in 2017.
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