The Ford Ranger has long been a popular model across a large number of global markets, topping the sales charts in many of them. That includes the UK, where the mid-size pickup has remained one of the best-selling pickups for some time, as well as one of the most popular light-duty commercial vehicles (LCV) overall. What’s particularly impressive about that feat is the fact that UK fleet operators tend to prefer vans over trucks for those types of duties, though they also continue to gravitate toward the Ford Ranger, regardless.
After ranking as the UK’s best-selling pickup in the first half of 2024, the Ford Ranger once again accomplished that same feat in August, according to new data from The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders Limited (SMMT), and also ranked as the fifth-best selling LCV overall and the third-best in that regard year-to-date. Though its sales pale in comparison to the mega-popular Ford Transit Custom and the full-size Ford Transit, the Ranger remains a hot commodity in the UK, regardless, where the Ford Puma is also that country’s best-selling passenger car.
As for the overall market, new light commercial vehicle registrations grew by 1.7 percent in August versus July – to 16,575 units – that segment’s best monthly performance since 2021. SMMT notes that demand for all van segments continues to grow, though commercial customers are not quite as keen to purchase pickups or all-electric models. In fact, LCV EV sales dropped for the fifth straight month – this time, by a whopping 30.3 percent – which is a bad sign for a country that’s aiming to achieve zero-emissions in the coming years.
“A return to growth for Britain’s new van sector is encouraging as the market continues its post-Covid recovery,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. “Manufacturers continue to produce a range of new models, with many of these zero emission. However, such a significant and sustained drop in demand for electric vans is of deep concern given the ambitious and mandated sales targets required this year and beyond. There is a pressing need to stimulate operator confidence which means providing long term certainty over the Plug-in Van Grant, maintaining fiscal incentives, and accelerating the rollout of van-suitable charging infrastructure. Without these measures, the ability of the UK to meet its net zero goals while driving economic growth will be put under pressure.”
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