The UK’s best selling vehicle in 2021 wasn’t a car, but the Ford Transit Custom van.

Vans have been playing an increasingly important part of keeping the businesses thriving, customers satisfied and, with that, the economy flowing. That demand has seen Ford increase its sales of the Transit Custom by 10%, ending 2021 with 53,394 new registrations on the road.

The larger Ford Transit accounted for another 34,294 registrations, while the Ford Ranger pickup recorded more registrations than ever before, at 17,830.

Unsurprisingly, Ford is the best selling brand in the commercial vehicle market, with the entire model range accounting for one in every three vans and pickups bought in 2021. When combined with the passenger vehicle sales, Ford was the biggest brand overall in the UK.

“The army of Ford Transit drivers, and the companies employing them, depend on their vehicles – just as homes, businesses and other customers depend on their deliveries,” said Lisa Brankin, Ford of Britain and Ireland managing director.

“Ford prioritised vehicle supply in a difficult year, with the pandemic ongoing and semiconductor shortages affecting the entire automotive industry, to grow commercial vehicle sales and meet the demand and loyalty to the Transit brand.”

Ford Transit Custom - rear view of best selling van

Electric vans accounted for just 3.6% of registrations, with 12,759 zero-emission vans taking to the road throughout the year, led by Vauxhall and its 2,916 electric registrations. While its e-Vivaro was the best-seller, the brand was also helped by having an electric option across its entire LCV range. Ford’s E-Transit arrives in spring 2022.

“After a difficult 2020, the commercial vehicle sector has bounced back, with registrations recovering to just shy of pre-Covid levels,” added Mike Hawes, SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders) chief executive. “While demand has remained robust, there is still the potential for market volatility with the Omicron variant and component shortages threatening supply chains.

“Manufacturers are working hard to ensure deliveries, and, with a record number of battery-electric vans registered this past year, customers can be assured that more of these new technology vehicles will be available to keep society and businesses moving in an increasingly zero-emission manner.”

Phil Huff
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