Van market at historical high – despite fall

The market for delivery vans is still at historically high levels despite falling some four per cent in the year to November, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Registrations in the 2.5-2.5 tonne segment were 207,666 for the first eleven months, 3.9 per cent down on last year. However, the 2.0-2.5 tonne segment was up three per cent at 51,201.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “While the market decline is worrying, it remains at an historically high level. Nevertheless, economic and political uncertainty continues to affect business confidence and with it new van purchasing patterns which is damaging, both for the market and for efforts to improve air quality.

“Getting more of the latest, Euro 6 LCVs onto our roads is the fastest way to reduce emissions so, to avoid a prolonged downturn, it is vital that government works to restore the conditions that give operators confidence to invest in their fleets.”

The best selling van so far this year is the Ford Transit Customer, with 47,105 registrations, followed by the Ford Transit at 25,388 and the Mercedes-Benz Sprint at 21,088.