Insight

LCV Used Marketplace update – January 2020

Andy Picton | 15 Jan 2020

About the author

Andy Picton

Chief Commercial Vehicle Editor

Having worked previously for Barclays Asset Finance and LeasePlan in the commercial vehicle sector, Andy joined Glass’s in 2002 as part of the Commercial Vehicle team working closely with manufacturers, leasing and insurance companies, traders, dealers and auction houses. He was promoted to Chief Commercial Vehicle Editor in 2016 and manages our industry-leading team of valuation experts. He loves football, music and commercial vehicles.

December’s new LCV market returned to growth following three months of decline growing 7.8% with only the pickup sector failing to grow. Overall, 27,551 new vehicles were registered in December and rounded off a solid annual performance, finishing 2.4% up on 2018.

Breaking the month down by sectors reveals growth of 7.7%, 39.2% and 4.2% for Vans under 2.0 tonnes, Vans between 2.0-2.5 tonnes and Vans between 2.5-3.5 tonnes respectively, whilst Pickup registrations fell by 1.2%.

Top five LCV registrations

Top 5 LCV registrations for full year 2019, December 2019 and December 2018

For the full year, the sectors produced growth of 4.4%, 10.5% and 1.2% for Vans under 2.0 tonnes, Vans between 2.0-2.5 tonnes and Vans between 2.5-3.5 tonnes respectively, whilst Pickup registrations fell by 1.0% on 2018 levels.

The LCV market finished 2.4% ahead of 2018, with registrations of 365,778 (357,325 – 2018). This was the third highest total on record and despite the political and economic uncertainty, buyers continued to seek the best new vehicle deals to support their businesses.

Used Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Auction Market Overview

Overview

The final month of 2019 saw wholesale market sales decline 20.0% versus November. Driven by a lack of quality used vendor stock, all sectors recorded decreased sales over the previous month.

December sales are on average 8.4 months older than twelve months ago, at 74.1 months but 3.1 months younger than last month. Average first-time conversion rates over the last 12 months improved 4.9% to 82.0%.

In December, average mileage stands at 77,445 miles, a reduction of over 5,400 miles on November and 3,100 on December 2018. With the reduction in mileage and vehicle age, the average sale price for the month increased by over £550. December’s average sale price was less than £100 lower than at the same point last year.

Small Vans: 29.9% of overall sales

Demand for vehicles in this sector reduced again in December, with the average sale price down over £150 on November. Berlingo, Transit Connect, Caddy, Combo have performed positively, with older stock such as the Astravan, Corsavan, Clio van, and Doblo van all holding their value during the month.

The average mileage of small vans sold in December fell by over 3,250 miles, whilst first time conversion rates decreased 5.8% to 81.9%.

Medium Vans: 41.0% of overall sales

This popular sector saw sales fall by over 500 units, but returned a £100 increase in the average sales price. Good levels of demand remain for Transit Custom, Trafic, and Vivaro, with premium brands such as the Transporter and Vito continuing to benefit from a loyal following. December was another strong month for the tidiest crew vans, with the best continuing to sell well.

The average mileage of those medium vans sold in December decreased by over 3,725 miles whilst first time conversion rates remained virtually static at 83.2%.

Large Vans: 17.0% of overall sales

This sector saw sales decrease 53% in December however, average sales prices increased by £67. Across this sector, there was demand for anything straight and tidy or sensibly priced, with the Transit and Sprinter proving particularly popular. Late plate Relay and Boxer were also popular choices, whilst buyers working to smaller budgets opted for older Crafter, Ducato and Master.

The average mileage of large vans sold in December decreased by over 3,500 miles with first time conversion rates increasing by 2.4% to 85.5%.

4×4 Sector: 12.1% of overall sales

Sales of 4×4 Pickups dropped by over 40% in December, whilst average prices remained just over £9,000 and on a par with November prices. Higher spec L200, Navara, and Ranger models continue to attract buyers, with those fitted with automatic transmissions in greatest demand. Older 4x4s caught the imagination and sold with ease, especially to those working to tighter budgets. The Fiat Fullback continues to struggle, whilst higher spec Defender models performed well.

Average mileage of those 4x4s sold increased by nearly 3,950 miles during December with first time conversion rates reducing by 4.4% to 73.4% (77.8% – November).

Market decline ends period of new LCV success in UK

18 Jul 2024

Following 17 consecutive months of growth, registrations of new light-commercial vehicles (LCVs) in the UK fell in June. Andy Picton, chief commercial vehicle editor at...

New Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Market Update – May 2021

11 Jun 2021

A strong market for both new and used LCVs May 2021 was another record-setting month for light commercial vehicle registrations with 29,354 new vehicles appearing...

The Strength of the LCV Market

01 Jun 2021

The Strength of the LCV Market As supply challenges in the new market continue to disrupt the used LCV sector and drive prices up, Chief...

Yes, sign me up to Autovista24

* Mandatory


Sign up to receive the following email:
Autovista24: Essential automotive reading, data and intelligence – a daily update from the new Autovista24 website sent daily by Autovista Ltd, in English

We use pixels in our emails to monitor whenever you open, forward or click on the URLs in our emails. This helps us to monitor and measure the performance and effectiveness of our emails. We combine this with the information you provide above and your browsing information so that we can better tailor and improve our marketing to you and personalise your user experience on our website. By signing up, you are consenting to the use of your data for the purpose of sending you the selected emails and to the use of tracking pixels. You can withdraw your consent to receive our emails and the related tracking at any time by following this link to our Email Preference Centre and updating your preferences. For additional information on the processing of your personal data, please refer to the Autovista Group Privacy Policy and the Glass's Privacy Policy.