The UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) market saw another record setting month, with 29,354 vans registered in May, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
It was the best May performance on record with sales up 4.7% on 2019 pre-pandemic levels as the increasing sector confidence continued beyond lockdowns, the SMMT said.
Registrations grew across all segments with the total number of units quadrupling versus 2020 lockdown-impacted volume.
Demand for larger 2.5-3.5 tonne vans drove the increase, comprising two thirds of all registrations, 19,687 vans.
With 157,150 vans registered so far in 2021, year to date sales were the highest on record, almost double this point in pandemic lockdown hit 2020 (+99.3% year on year), and up 4% on the pre-pandemic five-year average.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “May’s figures are welcome news, suggesting Britain’s additional reliance on commercial vehicles is a long-term shift rather than a lockdown stopgap.
“As the nationwide vaccination rollout continues at pace, maintaining business confidence is essential for the LCV market.”