UK LCV market recovery slowed by supply shortages

The British isles gentle professional automobile (LCV) market expansion was tempered immediately after a bumper recovery in April and Might, with 34,363 vans registered in the month, in accordance to the Modern society of Motor Makers and Traders (SMMT).

The month’s efficiency was down thirteen.9{7e488363c11ee5ef50445c8c4fa770b6e6e4f99e57faea264a05ac52abb3ffe0} on 2019, a shortfall of some 5,566 models as provide shortages – notably of semi-conductors – impacted production quantity and caused delays in the market. Nonetheless, van registrations remained up fourteen.four{7e488363c11ee5ef50445c8c4fa770b6e6e4f99e57faea264a05ac52abb3ffe0} on Covid-impacted 2020.

Year-to-day figures were up 75.9{7e488363c11ee5ef50445c8c4fa770b6e6e4f99e57faea264a05ac52abb3ffe0} on previous year, and up 1.eight{7e488363c11ee5ef50445c8c4fa770b6e6e4f99e57faea264a05ac52abb3ffe0} on the pre-pandemic 2015-2019 five-year regular. In overall 191,513 new vans were sold, that means 2021 is presently the 3rd finest year for van uptake considering the fact that documents began.

Desire for vans was notably bolstered by operators looking to renew and extend their fleets to meet increasing on line supply small business and demand from the building sector.

Desire for larger two.5-three.5 tonne vans drove the raise in June, comprising the majority (seventy one{7e488363c11ee5ef50445c8c4fa770b6e6e4f99e57faea264a05ac52abb3ffe0}) of all registrations in the month, some 24,434 vans. Other van segments noticed drops in demand compared to 2020, with registrations of lighter vans weighing significantly less than or equivalent to two. tonnes down eighteen.7{7e488363c11ee5ef50445c8c4fa770b6e6e4f99e57faea264a05ac52abb3ffe0} and individuals of vans weighing far more than two.-two.5 tonnes down four.three{7e488363c11ee5ef50445c8c4fa770b6e6e4f99e57faea264a05ac52abb3ffe0}.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief govt, stated: “It’s very good to see the van market carry on to perform perfectly, with pent up demand, on line retail and the building sectors all on the increase. Semi-conductor provide concerns have prolonged guide instances, but small business self esteem is growing and fleets are embarking on decarbonisation programmes.”