July 2020 New LCV Registrations

July 2020 New LCV Registrations

5th August 2020

LCV market grows for first time since January with 7.1% increase in July registrations

  • UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations grow by 7.1% in July following four months of double-digit declines.
  • More than 27,000 vans registered in first full month since lockdown restrictions eased.
  • Growth in all categories except vans weighing less than or equal to 2.0 tonnes.

Wednesday 5 August, 2020 

The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market saw its first month of growth since January, with a 7.1% increase in registrations, according to the latest figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). In total, 27,701 new LCVs joined Britain’s roads.

Growth was particularly pronounced in medium-sized vans weighing greater than 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes, which saw an 12.0% increase in registrations, and pick-ups, where dealers recorded a 24.9% increase in sales. The only fall was in the light van (less than or equal to 2.0 tonnes) sector, where registrations dropped by -22.0%. Heavy vans made up the lion’s share of overall sales, with 17,566 registrations, an increase of 5.4%.

Meanwhile, there was a substantial 78.1% increase in 4×4 demand, but this class of vehicle represents a very small fraction of total LCV registrations.

The improvement comes against a backdrop of prolonged reduced demand, with overall LCV registrations down by -39.0% in the year to date. The latest SMMT Outlook estimates that around 270,000 LCVs will be registered by the end of the year, a drop of -26.3%.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,

With lockdown restrictions rolling back and businesses restarting operations, the van market is beginning to look more positive. Growth is likely to have been driven by pent up demand and the re-emergence of sectors such as construction.

However, these green shoots of recovery could prove fragile given the uncertain economic situation. With new technology coming to the market and the need for operators to renew their fleets, maintaining overall business confidence will be crucial.

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  • July 2020

July 2020

TitleDescriptionVersionSizeHitsDate addedDownload
Van registrations rolling year totals Jul 2014 to-date 2020 chart 200.39 KB36109-10-2020 DownloadPreview
Van registrations rolling year totals Jul 2014 to-date 2020 chart 141.59 KB39207-10-2020 DownloadPreview
Van registrations 3 5T year-to-date registrations and split July 20 193.46 KB37109-10-2020 DownloadPreview
Van registrations 3 5T year-to-date registrations and split July 20 124.89 KB37807-10-2020 DownloadPreview
Van bestsellers Jul 2020 258.97 KB38509-10-2020 DownloadPreview
Van bestsellers Jul 2020 234.30 KB36207-10-2020 DownloadPreview
Van Jul 2020_overview_month YTD 321.54 KB34409-10-2020 DownloadPreview
Van Jul 2020_overview_month YTD 238.39 KB38307-10-2020 DownloadPreview
SMMT LCV registrations_July 2020 (2) 503.44 KB32807-10-2020 Download
July LCV reg inforgraphic 292.33 KB35907-10-2020 DownloadPreview

Notes to Editors

About SMMT and the UK automotive industry

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad, promoting a united position to government, stakeholders and the media.

The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy accounting for £82 billion turnover and £18.6 billion value added. With some 168,000 people employed directly in manufacturing and 823,000 across the wider automotive industry, it accounts for 13% of total UK export of goods and invests £3.75 billion each year in automotive R&D. More than 30 manufacturers build some 70 models of vehicle in the UK supported by 2,400 component providers and some of the world’s most skilled engineers.

More detail on UK automotive available in SMMT’s Motor Industry Facts 2019 publication at  smmt.co.uk/facts20

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SMMT has an ISDN studio and access to expert spokespeople, case studies and regional representatives.

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