UK new LCV registrations fell by 22.2% year-on-year in November, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Although this decline was exaggerated by November 2021 having been the market’s strongest ever, last month’s performance was still the weakest seen during the month since 2013, and 13.4% down on the pre-pandemic five-year average.
The SMMT said that despite strong order books, the market was continuing to be hindered by persistent supply chain issues, which have restricted production globally and limited availability.
The market-leading 2.5-3.5t van segment saw a 17.9% year-on-year decline in November, with 18,367 registrations, while the 2.0-2.5t van segment saw a 63.5% decline, with 1,744 registrations.
The worst performing segment was that for vans weighing less than 2.0t, with a 70.9% fall to just 396 registrations.
Pick-up registrations fared better, with a 26.1% increase to 3,292, while 4x4s were also up, by 167.1% to 553.
Electric van sales also improved, up by 14.1% year-on-year to 1,974, or 8.1% of the overall market.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “The UK van market has experienced a very difficult year, battling a multitude of challenges to meet demand, but has benefitted from an EV boost as operators increasingly make the switch to zero emission.
“As supply constraints ease, we look with some optimism towards next year and a return to growth.
“It is imperative, however, that government takes action to help accelerate commercial vehicle recharging infrastructure, so that the vehicles that keep Britain moving can fully deliver on their ability to boost the economy.”
The Ford Transit Custom topped the LCV sales chart in November with 3,459 registrations, ahead of the Ford Transit with 3,218, and the Ford Ranger with 2,193.
Completing the top ten were the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (1,826 registrations), the Volkswagen Transporter (1,583), the Vauxhall Vivaro (1,380), the Renault Master (845), the Renault Trafic (842), the Volkswagen Crafter (775), and the Ford Transit Connect (733).
