UK records best November new van sales in history

The UK's new van market notched up a November sales record, finishing the month 11.4% ahead of the pre-pandemic average for the month.

New light commercial vehicle sales in 2021 are now 22.8% up year-on-year at 325,976 units.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders still forecasts that the LCV market will return to pre-2019 levels in 2022.

Supply shortages have led to long waiting times for new van orders and consequently high values achieved by vans in the used market.

The SMMT data for November showed growth in all classes except vans under two tonnes.

The 2.5-3.5 tonne class remains the UK's biggest-selling, and its 22,363 result was 7.7% up on November 2020. 

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “A pre-Christmas boost to van registrations will be welcomed by the industry, but it remains a rollercoaster of a market.

"Demand is clearly robust, but market volatility is likely to remain a feature as supply chain shortages throttle the sector’s ability to fulfil orders.

"Manufacturers are working hard to try and overcome these shortages and the November deliveries illustrate the success they have been having in the UK.”