Courier drivers in the UK may find it of interest to read that September 2023 saw an increase in the number of new light commercial vehicles ( LCVs ) sold in comparison to the same month last year. What is also pleasing is that this is the ninth month in a row that numbers have risen.

Data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed that the total number of new vans sold here in the UK in September 2023 amounted to 44,760. In September 2022 the figure was 34,950 with this being an increase of 28.1%. We are sure that you will agree this is a large rise and let us hope that it continues.

The biggest increase seen in percentage terms was in the 4 x 4 sector. In September 2022 536 new 4 x 4s were sold whereas in September this year there were 1,296 sold. This is an increase of 141.8%.

On a year to date basis to September 2023 there were 257,979 new vans manufactured in the UK. On a year to date basis to September 2022 there were 213,576 new LCVs manufactured. That is an increase of 20.8%. Again, the biggest percentage rise was seen in the 4 x 4 sector with 6,030 new 4 x 4s built in the year to date to September 2023 whereas for the same period last year there were 2,159 built so that was a jump of 179.3%.

It was also pleasing to see that the number of new electric vans sold in the UK rose. In September 2022 there were 1,550 built compared to 2,882 in September 2023. That is a rise of 85.9%. On a year to date basis to September 2022 there were 11,359 new electric vans manufactured whereas for the same period to September 2023 there were 14,296 so that was a rise of 25.9%.

So, if you are a courier looking to replace their used van with a new van then hopefully you will have plenty of choice.