The mixed news came on Friday (4 November) as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders released its latest figures for the light commercial vehicle sector.
The monthly figure was dented by registrations of heavier vans (2.5 to 3.25 tonnes), which fell for only the second time in three years, however they continue to dominate the market, accounting for 62% of all vans registered so far this year.
October’s star performer was the 2-2.5 tonne segment, which rose by almost 20%.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, describes the monthly decline as “no surprise” after the sector’s bullish performance in 2015.
He adds: “Overall, the market remains robust, with the number of van registrations in the first 10 months of 2016 outperforming any other year on record. Maintaining business confidence for LCV operators will be critical to this sector’s future performance.”
