It will probably not come as too much of a surprise to those people involved in the sale of new vans here in the UK that there was a significant fall in the number of light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered in 2020 when compared with the figures for 2019.

According to data produced by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the number of new vans registered in 2020 in the up to 3.5 tonnes category amounted to 292,657 whereas in 2019 the figure was 365,778. That is a huge reduction of 73,121 equating to a fall of 20%. Such a fall in numbers may probably have had quite a negative impact upon the profitability of some motor traders involved in the sale of new vans.

Breaking down that category further reveals that the sale of new pickups dropped from 53.055 in 2019 to 35,691 in 2020 – a fall of 17,364 equating to a reduction of 32.7%. The number of new 4x4s registered fell from 1,620 in 2019 to 1,448 in 2020 – a drop of 172 equating to a fall of 10.6%. The number of new vans in the under 2 tonnes category sold fell from 26,162 in 2019 to 17,168 in 2020 – a drop of 8.994 equating to a fall of 34.4%. The number of new vans in the 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes category that were sold dropped from 56,282 in 2019 to 47,499 in 2020 – a reduction of 8,783 equating to a drop of 15.6%. The number of new vans sold in the 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes category dropped from 228,659 in 2019 to 190,851 in 2020 – a fall of 37,808 equating to a reduction of 16.5%.

The top 5 selling vans in 2020 were: –

1. Ford Transit Custom 43,551
2. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 23,506
3. Ford Transit 21,724
4. Volkswagen Transporter 15,856
5. Vauxhall Vivaro 15,530

The pandemic has no doubt had some impact in a negative manner in the sale of new vans in 2020. It is to be hoped that things pick up in 2021 although it has to be said that things have not got off to a good start following the government’s tightening in the tiering system due to the worsening situation surrounding coronavirus.

If you are purchasing a new or used van then why not get in contact with us with a view to obtaining a competitive quotation for van insurance without any obligation to proceed.