UK love affair with vans and utes continues

One of the world’s most keenly contested vehicle sales races is fast becoming the race to secure commercial vehicle sales in the UK.

New sales data shows that in April nearly 28,000 new vans hit UK roads, that figure being 11.7% up on the same month last year.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) data shows that April was the third consecutive month of growth for the sector in 2016, following a record performance in 2015.

So far in 2016 3.3% more light commercial vehicles (LCVs) have been registered in the UK compared with the first four months of 2015.

Heavier vans continue to rise in popularity, with registrations up 22.6% last month, while pickups (utes in our language) also performed well in the month with 35.4% growth.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said the market continues to heat up in 2016.

“It is positive to see the van market picking up with a third consecutive month of growth in April, once again fuelled by increased demand for larger LCVs.

“The 3.3% rise in registrations during the first four months of the year places the sector in a strong position and on track to maintain stable growth throughout 2016.”