That’s according to latest data released yesterday (5 January) by the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which also pointed out that this was the fourth consecutive year of growth for LCVs.
The record was achieved despite a downturn in December, when registrations fell for only the fourth time in 2016. Despite the drop of 10% last month, it was still the second biggest December on record after 2015’s all-time record month when demand grew by more than 14%.
Data shows that pick-ups were the big success story of 2016 – registrations were up by more than 17%, at 47,715 vehicles. The number was boosted significantly in the final month of the year, with December demand for pick-ups rising by more than 52%.
Heavy vans – those weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes – also grew in the year by almost 5% to 232,948 units, accounting for more than 60% of the market.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, says: “Another record year for light commercial vehicles is great news, even with marginal growth, and underlines the fundamental strength of the sector.”