Van registrations rose by 11.8% to 9,149 in February compared to February 2012, lifting overall commercial vehicle registrations (vans and trucks) by 5.4%, despite a 16.3% fall in new truck registrations.

UK van and truck registrations: 2013 and % change on 2012

(Data courtesy of SMMT)

Nigel Base, SMMT Commercial Vehicle Manager said that it was “a complex picture”:

“The commercial vehicle industry’s good start to 2013 continued into February, rising 5% as the van market grew 11.8% on last year, but it’s a complex picture. The truck market declined 16%, perhaps as owners and operators adjust buying decisions ahead of key landmarks in the year –  this month’s Budget, the CV Show in April and introduction of Euro 6 legislation at the end of the year.”

Van registrations in more detail

A closer look at the van registration figures show some interesting trends.

Pickup sales continued their strong start to the year, rising by 72.2% in February to give a 44.8% rise for the year to date, during which time 4×4 sales have fallen by 4.2%.

In terms of ‘proper’ vans, the biggest increase this year has been in the 2.0t – 2.5t category, where registrations have risen by 21.8% so far. Vans in this weight range include the Volkswagen Caddy, Citroen Berlingo and Ford Transit Connect.

In contrast, registrations of vans with a GVW of 2.5t – 3.5t have only risen by 4.4% so far this year, highlighting the growing popularity of smaller models over larger alternatives like the Peugeot Expert and Ford Transit.