News


CONTINUES TO GROW NEW LCV MARKET N


ew LCV registrations in the UK grew by 44.2% year-on- year in July.


Society of Motor Manufacturers


and Traders (SMMT) figures show a total of 26,990 LCVs were registered during the month, which the industry body attributed to rising demand and the easing of supply chain issues.


It was the seventh consecutive month of growth, in addition to being the best July for the industry since 2020, up by 4.4% on pre- pandemic 2019.


The largest growth was seen in the sector for vans weighing 2.0- 2.5t, which saw registrations rise by 227.4% to 4,407.


The market-leading 2.5–3.5-tonne van segment saw 29.3% growth, to 19,111 registrations, however vans weighing less than 2.0t were down by 40.9% to 427 registrations. Pick-up truck registrations increased by 48.3% to 2,415, while 4x4s were up by 159.3% to 630. In terms of fuel mix, there was 94.6% year-on-year growth in electric van registrations, to


FORD UPGRADES TECHNOLOGY ON TRANSIT RANGE


ord is introducing upgraded technology to its Transit and E-Transit van ranges. New features include Ford’s Sync 4 infotainment system, with a 12in touchscreen, 8in digital instrument cluster and connected sat-nav with real-time traffi c information. A new 5G modem is also fi tted, allowing wireless updates to vehicle systems without a visit to a dealer being required.


F


Also new is a Delivery Assist system – available with long-wheelbase automatic models – which automates repetitive security tasks for frequently stopping delivery drivers. When they shift into park, the van will stop the engine, activate the hazard warning lights and alarm, and lock any doors the driver does not use to exit the cab or access parcels. In addition, there’s a new Upfi t Integration System, designed to allow aftermarket equipment to be controlled


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via the in-cab touchscreen and monitored via Ford Pro software.


Other changes for the 2024 model


year Transit include a new eight-speed automatic transmission option for front- wheel drive models, new wheel hub and brake systems designed to reduce weight


and be easier to replace, and a new heavy-duty Gross Axle Weight Rating pack for front-wheel drive models, raising the front axle maximum weight to 2,000kg from 1,850kg to increase the van’s conversion potential.


Standard driver assistance systems


with the 2024 Transit include pre-collision assist with autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, and intelligent speed assist. The upgraded Transit and E-Transit will be available to order in August, with deliveries due to start in summer 2024.


1,489, accounting for 5.5% of the overall market.


SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes


said: “Following a solid fi rst half, van sales have enjoyed an extremely positive month, beating even pre-pandemic levels. The challenge now is to deliver even greater EV uptake, which requires urgent action to reduce soaring energy costs and increase the provision of dedicated van charging infrastructure to bolster operator confi dence and meet the unique needs of this sector. “These are vital hurdles to overcome, more so given next year will see a ZEV


mandate with minimum sales targets for every brand.”


In a change to the usual order,


the Ford Transit topped the LCV sales chart in July with 2,598 registrations, just ahead of the Ford Transit Custom with 2,594. The Vauxhall Vivaro was third with 1,974 registrations, and the top 10 was completed by the Volkswagen Transporter (1,738 registrations), Renault Trafi c (1,239), Citroën Relay (1,130), Ford Ranger (1,010), Peugeot Partner (988), Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (944) and Renault Master (908).


www.whatvan.co.uk


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