New van market declines 5.8 per cent in June

Van registrations declined 5.8 per cent in June 2018 compared to last year, with 35,182 new vans and pickups sold last month, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Small, medium and large sized vans all saw demand fall in the month, down -18.2%, -7.3% and -6.4% respectively. Meanwhile, the number of pickups joining British roads increased in June, up 4.1% to 5,019 units.

Year-to-date, 180,696 new LCVs have been registered, a drop of -2.3% on the first half of 2017, with the most of the decline in the market for vans weighing more than 2.5-3.5 tonnes. However, demand remains at a high level, up more than a third (35.7%) on the same period five years ago.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “UK van registrations have fluctuated throughout the first half of this year, reflecting variable buying cycles which are a natural feature of the market. Despite this and recognising the fact that demand is still at a historically high level, the overall trend is downwards, with Brexit uncertainty and its negative effect on business confidence threatening long-term growth.”