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It's no shock that Ford's Transit, combined between medium and large van models, dominated sales, although the range will split for 2013 with the launch of the Custom model. The Mercedes Sprinter and Vauxhall Vivaro took second and third places, as was the case in 2011, while the Peugeot Partner enjoyed growth in excess of 50% to break into the top five and become the number one light van.
Nearer the bottom of the 25 biggest-selling new LCVs was a first appearance for the Nissan NV200, which is still growing every year, and the Ford Ranger, with the Peugeot Bipper and Fiat Ducato dropping out to make way. Three models - the Mercedes Vito, VW Crafter and Peugeot Boxer - all rose five places, the biggest climbs of any model, while heading nine places in the other direction was Renault's Kangoo, with the French firm hoping a recent facelift (see p7) will boost sales.
The dominant sector was, as usual, large vans, with those at the 3.5-tonne mark particularly popular. "There is a trend towards heavier vehicles (which is true of trucks as well) because of the operator and driver licence paperwork issues [involved with using vehicles]," says the SMMT's Base. "The flexibility of a van helps, but there's definitely a long-term trend towards 3.5 tonnes."
The large 3.5-tonne vans are also benefiting from the rise in home shopping, gradually replacing the 7.5-tonne truck that was traditionally an urban delivery vehicle of choice. "In reality the payloads aren't that much different and the flexibility of having a van, particularly in urban areas, is worth sacrificing a little payload for," says Base. "Even though they may not be as good as a 7.5-tonner, it's close enough and worth it."
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