The UK new LCV market saw an end to 17 consecutive months of year-on-year growth in June, with the 2.5–3.5t segment, which includes medium as well as large vans, playing its part in the decline.
This segment saw an 8.3% year-on-year drop last month, with 21,677 registrations, underperforming the overall market, which was down by 4.5%.
However, these wider market troubles (which the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders argued had been exaggerated by a particularly strong June 2023) didn’t stop the Ford Transit Custom from taking its usual place at the top of the LCV sales chart in June, with 4,934 registrations. This model’s appeal is also extending even wider, with Ford having now opened orders for the E-Transit Custom electric variant, the first examples of which are due in dealers later this summer.
The E-Transit Custom is available with a choice of 136hp, 217hp and 285hp electric motors (the latter with the rally-inspired MS-RT model). All come with a 64kWh battery, offering ranges of between 172 and 203 miles depending on spec.
It marks the third stage of Ford’s introduction of the latest Transit Custom, which began with front-wheel drive diesel models up to Limited/Titanium trim last October. Other trim levels, as well as plug-in hybrid and all-wheel drive diesel models, then joined the range earlier this year.
The Transit Custom is of course preparing to face stiff competition in the form of the new, seventh-generation Volkswagen Transporter, which is based on the same platform as the Ford. The new Transporter, for which pre-sales have already opened in Germany, will be making its world premiere at the IAA Transportation show in Hannover in September, with the first UK vehicles expected in late Q1 2025.
VW has announced that the normal wheelbase version of the new model will feature a 5.8m3 load capacity – an increase of 10% compared with the outgoing Transporter, helped by the load compartment measuring 61mm longer, while the width between the wheel arches has been increased by as much as 148mm. Maximum payload will be 1.33t, and towing capacity up to 2.8t.
Versions with two, three, four, five and six seats will be available, while interior equipment will include a 12in Digital Cockpit display, and 13in infotainment touchscreen.
As for the exterior styling, VW claims this takes inspiration from the previous six generations of Transporter, and that the new model will complete the modern-day ‘Bulli’ family, alongside the Multivan and ID. Buzz.
The medium van sector is also set for a newcomer in the form of the B-ON Pelkan. This model, which made its UK debut at the Commercial Vehicle Show earlier this year, is the result of a partnership between Europe-based clean mobility firm B-ON and Chinese vehicle manufacturer Chery.
It comes with a choice of 43kWh and 54kWh batteries, designed to provide ranges of up to 140 and 173 miles respectively, with a maximum payload of 1,350kg.
UK sales are due to begin early next year, and are expected to target the budget end of the market, with a starting price of around £30,000 excluding VAT.
Calendar
| Model | Arrival date |
| Ford E-Transit Custom | Summer 2024 |
| B-ON Pelkan | Q1 2025 |
| Volkswagen Transporter | Late Q1 2025 |
