CONTINUE TO GROW NEW LCV SALES
EASY ACCESS TO ULEZ- COMPLIANT VANS
Keith Shorter, director, Europcar Vans & Trucks, discusses how van rental can help businesses navigate the newly extended London Ultra Low Emission Zone as well as the growing number of clean air zones
he UK new LCV market grew year-on-year for the eighth consecutive month in August, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
T It said 16,303 LCVs were registered
during August, a 5% increase from the same period in 2022.
The overall growth came despite a decrease in registrations for the market-leading 2.5–3.5t van segment, down by 5.1% to 11,549 registrations. Driving growth instead were 2.0– 2.5t vans, which saw an increase of 72.1% with 2,718 registrations. Vans weighing less than 2.0t were down by 30.4% to 343 registrations, while pick-up trucks were up by 22.3% to 1,437, and 4x4s were up by 163.9% to 256.
Electric LCV registrations were up by 18.9% taking 6.9% of the market, with diesel on 90.3%.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes
said: “Another month of growth for new van sales is good news and a sign that the market is well on the way to recovery. That more operators are choosing electric models is also positive, given the massive investments made by van makers into these vehicles, including at plants in the UK. “Diesel models, however, still make up more than nine in 10 registrations, proof of how far the market must move if it is to decarbonise. With an end of
sale dates and a ZEV mandate looming, we must pull every lever to deliver the transition.” The Ford Transit Custom topped the new LCV sales chart in August with 1,791 registrations, ahead of the Ford Transit with 1,426, and the Vauxhall Vivaro (pictured) with 1,151. Completing the top 10 were
the Volkswagen Transporter (933 registrations), Vauxhall Combo (762), Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (721), Renault Trafic (678), Toyota Hilux (522), Citroën Berlingo (491), and Peugeot Boxer (466). As ever Ford dominates the manufacturers’ sales chart. In the year- to-date it took a 30.9% share of the market with registrations of 65,773. This was, however, down from the 38% market share it commanded in the first eight months of last year, with sales of 68,029. Vauxhall continues to benefit from having joined the Stellantis fold. Registrations of 21,295 in the year to 31 August represent a 16.5% rise on the same period in 2022 and gives it a market share nudging 10%. Volkswagen has performed strongly during the first two-thirds of 2023. Sales of 20,468 were up 30% on last year to give the brand a 9.6% market share. Citroën, at 18,932, and Renault, which increased registrations by a startling 153% to 17,720 units, complete the top five.
For businesses running commercial fleets inside the M25, a cost of anywhere between £625 and £4,375 per year per vehicle (based on daily cost of £12.50 entering ULEZ once or seven days a week) is simply not a sustainable option. However, replacing every van with a newer and more fuel-efficient model is an eye-watering prospect too. And even for those businesses with deep enough pockets, supply chain delays mean replacements can’t necessarily be sourced easily. Depending on the location and nature
of the business, it may be possible for fleet managers to replace a small number of vehicles, which can be used for any journeys in the ULEZ, while non-compliant vehicles make journeys outside of the zone. The logistical demands of this model, though, are likely to be beyond most smaller businesses. Flexible vehicle rental can be
a simple, cost-effective and efficient alternative.
ACCESS THE RIGHT COMPLIANT VEHICLES Being compliant with CAZ and ULEZ requirements doesn’t have to mean switching to electric. The Europcar fleet includes more than 10,000 commercial
vehicles, ranging from small panel vans to crew vans, tippers and traffic management drop sides as well as other specialist vehicles. All vehicles are CAZ compliant – Euro 6 Diesel or Euro 4 Petrol. In addition, when on long-term rental, commercial vehicles can be customised with livery, tow bars, internal racking and more, to suit individual business requirements. Minimising ULEZ and CAZ charges
and fines is possible: ■ Reduce the number of city centre journeys – cut journeys overall, or take fewer trips into the CAZ or ULEZ by using larger compliant vehicles.
■ Replace more polluting vehicles quickly by renting newer, compliant models.
■ Rent compliant vehicles on a long- term basis for regular CAZ or ULEZ journeys, or on an ad-hoc basis for less frequent trips into the city centre.
The Europcar Vans & Trucks Guide
helps identify the best van or truck solution for an organisation’s needs. Plus, commercial vehicle experts at a network of 13 specialist vans and trucks supersites as well as 50 other stations where vans are available can help businesses identify the right solution for each job.
To find out more about how Europcar can support your organisation’s decarbonisation journey, visit
www.europcar.co.uk/business or call 0371 384 0140
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