The LCV (light commercial vehicle) offers a number of advantages that make it practical for both business and everyday use. These vehicles are fuel efficient, providing higher fuel efficiency compared to larger trucks, helping to reduce operating costs. Their compact dimensions make it easy to move in city traffic and maneuver in densely built-up areas. At the same time, LCVs have sufficient carrying capacity for transporting goods, which makes them ideal for small and medium-sized businesses. Cargo-passenger modifications add versatility, as they are suitable for both commercial purposes and personal use.
Specialists of the Institute of Car Market Research determined the dynamics of sales in this segment, as well as the most popular types and models for each of the groups. Letʼs start with the total volume of trades. During September, a total of 4,600 LCV vehicles were purchased, which is the lowest value over the past 12 months. Compared to previous periods, this volume looks as follows (MM-M — compared to August 2024, YY compared to September 2023):
- Domestic resales: -18% MM, -24% YY
- Used imports: -26% MM, -58% YY
- New imports: +21% MM, 27% YY
- Made in Ukraine: +61% MM, +143% YY
The diagram shows how after the peak in May, which was caused by a change in the rules for mobilizing transport from private owners, who massively reissued it then to other persons, the volume of trades returned to average statistical values. Unlike the passenger car segment, there is no surge in sales in August, caused by talks about the possible introduction of a 15% tax on first registration. The conclusion here is simple, and not too comforting: the demand for business transport is definitely decreasing. And this phenomenon not only indicates negative processes in the car market, taken separately, but rather reflects the state of business in the country. No development — no demand for commercial transport.
The structure of the segment is as follows: the largest share, which is 67.7%, is for domestic resales; 18.7% was occupied by imported used light trucks, 11.7% by new imported trucks, 1.9% by manufactured or converted in Ukraine. The total share of new cars is 13.6%. Based on the share of each of the sub-segments, we will consider them in detail in the same order.
LCV is a domestic market
In this part, cargo vans, which form the basis of the segment, are traditionally the most popular. Low-tonnage vans and tented on-board options are less often bought.
Among individual models , the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dominates, with Renault Master and Ford Transit in the top three. In total, 3,126 sales contracts were concluded within the country.
LCV — import used
Last month, 863 cars of the LCV group were added to our fleet. Similar to the previous sub-segment, buyers here most often chose "driven" cargo vans, somewhat less often refrigerated vans and on-board awning versions.
This group is led by Renault Master and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, with the same total of "freshly driven" cars. According to this principle , Renault Kangoo takes the second place, and Renault Trafic takes the third place.
LCV — new sales
In September, 628 new light trucks left for the first time on Ukrainian roads. Of this number, 538 were imported, 90 were registered as produced (or converted in factory conditions) in Ukraine.
In this part of the market, vans are also the most popular type of car, other options, such as cargo-passenger or garage cars, were sold in much smaller quantities.
Renault Master became the clear leader among new LCVs, with Renault Express not far behind. Ford Transit is also among the top three most popular "commercials".
It is interesting that among the used (combining the domestic market and imports) light commercial cars, 85.4% are diesel versions, 8.6% are gasoline versions with gas cylinder equipment on board, and 4.2% are gasoline versions. The share of electric cars here is only 1.8%.
Among the new LCVs, the picture is as follows: 95.9% are diesel, 2.1% are electric, other versions share the remaining 2%.
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