New van sales rise for eighth consecutive month – ilmuhangat

Ford Transit Centre, Abingdon.
Photo: James Lipman // jameslipman.com

The UK new light commercial vehicle market grew for the eighth consecutive month in August, rising 5% to 16,303 units.

Battery electric van registrations grew 18.9% to 1,122 units to take a 6.9% market share in August.

A total of 11,414 zero emission electric vans have been registered so far this year, up 16.4% on the same period in 2022 as more businesses switch on to the benefits they offer in terms of competitive running costs and zero emissions at the tailpipe.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “Another month of growth for new van sales is good news and a sign that the market is well on the way to recovery.

“That more operators are choosing electric models is also positive, given the massive investments made by van makers into these vehicles, including at plants in the UK.

“Diesel models, however, still make up more than nine in ten registrations, proof of how far the market must move if it is to decarbonise. With an end of sale dates and a ZEV mandate looming, we must pull every lever to deliver the transition.”