Best Van Sales ever in November!
Its been an interesting year as far as light commercial vehicle registrations are concerned and Novembers figures continue the theme with the month recording the best November in its history, with 31,320 new vans registered according to the latest figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The number of vans reaching Britain’s roads rose 11.4% on the pre-pandemic average for November, following two previous months of decline. With the sector still suffering from significant semiconductor shortages, stability of supply remains a key issue and market volatility is likely to be a feature well into 2022. With a September recovery in the construction sector and growing business investment, especially in online retail, demand has been increasing and manufacturers have battled to fulfil orders despite supply constraints.
November 21 v 20 LCV Registrations
Growth was recorded in all van classes excluding those weighing less than or equal to 2.0 tonnes, which fell -19.6% to 1,361 units. However, this weight class had enjoyed growth in previous months, indicating how delivery has been impacted by the unpredictable supply of semiconductors. Uptake of vans weighing more than 2.5 tonnes grew by 7.7% compared to a locked-down November 2020, reaching 22,363 units, or 71.4% of the market.
Meanwhile, the pickup market grew 31.2%, while vans weighing more than 2.0 up to 2.5 tonnes grew 21.2% to 4,779 units. The most considerable growth was recorded in the traditionally volatile 4×4 market, which grew 39.9% to 207 units but these number are relatively small compared to the rest of the sectors.
Year To Date Registration 21 v 20
The market is now up 22.8% in the year-to-date with the larger vans making up most of this increase at 29.8%. The biggest increase is the 4×4 sector at 186% but its also the smallest market by far. Interestingly, the 2-2.5 tonne GVW sector has the same amount of sales year to date as last year at 43,400. Pickups continue to increase in sales compared to last year and have almost reached 40,000 units.
The Best Sellers
Ford continue to dominate the light commercial vehicle market, indeed, with four vehicles in the top ten the Ford sales figures outstrip all the other manufacturers put together. Transit Custom has topped almost 50,000 sales year to date with the larger Transit recording over 30,000 sales. Ford also has the only pickup in the top ten best sellers with the Ranger selling more than the Vauxhalls best selling van, the Vivaro.
