Van market on track to break records

The van market for the first 11 months is up by 2.1 per cent on last year, driven by a strong performance in the 2/5-3.5 tonne sector, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The sector remains on track to beat 2015’s record-breaking performance. For this success to continue in 2017 and beyond, however, it is essential that the economic conditions that have kept this sector so buoyant in recent years are maintained.”

Registration of vans in the 2.5-3.5 tonne sector were up seven per cent to 216,046 units.

For the month of November, the 2-2.5 tonne sector was the strongest performer, rising 43 per cent to 4,929 units, offsetting falls in the other van sectors. Overall in November, registrations were up 2.5 per cent.

Ford maintained market leadership in the market for vans up to 3.5 tonnes with 106,419 registrations, followed by Volkswagen at 41,900 and Vauxhall at 35,517.