10.05.2024

<title><value>New van market records best April for three years but electric transition needs boost</value></title>

SMMT NEW LCV REGISTRATIONSn7 May 2024 (data for April 2024)nnHigh-resolution charts are available via Dropbox link.nn- The new light commercial vehicle market increased by 5.4% in April, continuing a growth trend for the 16th consecutive month.n- Demand for battery electric vans decreased by -42.4%, highlighting an urgent need to accelerate the rollout of van charging points.n- The latest SMMT forecast anticipates a 3.3% growth in UK new van registrations for the year 2024.nnOn Tuesday, May 7, 2024, there was a notable rise of 5.4% in demand for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) within the UK during April as businesses invested in newer models, reports from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) indicate. A total of 23,889 new vans, pickups, and four-wheel drives were registered – marking this period as having the highest registration since April of 2021 – driven by fleet investments aimed at supporting local trades and essential logistics services.nnThe increase is largely attributed to sustained interest in larger LCVs weighing between more than two-and-a-half tonnes up to three-and-a-half tonnes which saw a rise of about three percent to reach over fifteen thousand units; these accounted for nearly two-thirds or sixty-five point eight percent of all registrations. Medium-sized vans also experienced growth with an increase close to seven percent totaling over four thousand six hundred units while smaller vans witnessed significant forty-one point one percent growth despite making up only two-point five percent share of overall market volume. Pick-up truck volumes grew sixteen point two percent reaching almost twenty-five hundred units whereas deliveries involving newly manufactured four-by-fours dropped seventeen point six percent compared with last year’s strong performance during this same period.nnHowever, zero-emission LCV deliveries faced decline last month with uptake on brand-new battery electric vans dropping down forty-two point four percentage points resulting in just eight hundred sixty-one unit sales; representing merely three-point six percentage points out all fresh LCV registrations against last year’s six-point-six percentage points during April’s peak season which typically sees lower registration numbers following March plate changes thus prone to fluctuations but such downturn poses risks towards achieving environmental targets set forth by government policies demanding rapid expansion within green sectors.nnIndustry projections now estimate that UK’s fresh van market will grow around three-point-three percentage points amounting roughly three-hundred fifty-three thousand units throughout current calendar year while BEV shares have been adjusted downwards from nine-point-four percentage points previously predicted back January outlook now standing at eight-point-three percentage points although still expected see substantial forty-four point one-percent increment equating approximately twenty-nine thousand BEVs sold yet remains below ambitious sales objectives outlined under Vehicle Emissions Trading Scheme where manufacturers continue investing heavily into producing more eco-friendly options featuring competitive range capabilities alongside quiet operations plus enhanced comfort levels however without adequate public infrastructure support particularly concerning charging facilities specifically tailored towards larger model types existing networks prove insufficient hence posing major hindrance transitioning entire fleets onto cleaner alternatives thereby necessitating nationally coordinated chargepoint strategy effectively implemented across local jurisdictions ensuring optimal placement speeding grid connections nationwide instilling confidence among operators considering investment shifts if Plug-in Van Grant incentives cease prematurely could potentially decelerate progress road sector decarbonization efforts according Mike Hawes Chief Executive Officer SMMT who emphasizes importance bold initiatives matching scale governmental aspirations deploying comprehensive plans establishing accessible van-appropriate public chargers crucial getting greener Britain mobilized forward direction efficiently effectively immediately necessary actions taken place soon possible avoid setbacks delays meeting future sustainability goals collectively shared amongst stakeholders involved automotive industry alike important note previous years comparison figures provided reference purposes showing thirty-thousand four-hundred forty-unit count recorded back twenty-twenty-one versus twenty-four-thousand six-hundred fourth count noted nineteen-nineteen respectively further details regarding broader impacts automotive sector has upon national economy including turnover contributions worth seventy-eight billion pounds value-added sixteen billion pounds typical annual research development investments rounding off near three-billion-pound mark employing upwards two-hundred eight-thousand individuals manufacturing alone extending reach encompassing additional approximate total workforce size nearing eight-hundred thousand people trading internationally exports valued ninety-four billion pounds accounting ten-percent entirety goods exported originating United Kingdom information pertaining extensive array brands producing multitude vehicle models supported vast network supply chain entities world-class engineering talent many jobs situated outside London Southeast regions offering wages averaging fourteen-percent higher than national mean also providing employment opportunities linked advertising finance logistics industries full report detailing specifics found visiting official SMMT website section dedicated motor facts publications contact details various media representatives listed should any inquiries arise requiring immediate attention response teams readily available assist broadcasters studios access expert spokespersons case studies regional reps included convenience sake ensuring smooth communication flow maintained times keeping everyone informed updated matters concern relevance significance today tomorrow beyond always priority top agenda setting standards excellence integrity professionalism every step way moving forward together united vision brighter sustainable future awaits us all thank you cooperation understanding participation active engagement process truly appreciated valued immensely let’s make happen go team!