Across Europe and the UK, the Ford Transit has long been the full-size van of choice for commercial customers, which is also true of the U.S. However, the Transit’s popularity across the pond is even more notable given the fact that fleets gravitate toward vans at a far higher rate than trucks in those markets. The Ford Transit continued its hot streak through the first-half of 2024 after ranking as the top-selling full-size van, and was the second-best selling light commercial vehicle overall – and that didn’t taper off in August, either.
According to new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the Ford Transit slipped ever-so-slightly in August, ranking third in LCV sales in the UK last month at 1,272 units, placing it behind its lineup-mate, the Ford Transit Custom, which topped the rankings at 2,090 sales, as well as the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter at 1,531 sales. Regardless, the Transit held onto its spot as the second-best selling van and LCV model overall with 18,999 sales in 2024 through the first eight months of the year – far ahead of the Sprinter’s total of 12,004.
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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