LCVs (light commercial vehicles) offer a number of advantages that make them practical for both business and everyday use. These vehicles are economical, providing better fuel efficiency than larger trucks, which helps reduce operating costs. Their compact dimensions make it easy to navigate in urban traffic and maneuver in densely built-up areas. At the same time, LCVs have sufficient carrying capacity to transport goods, making them ideal for small and medium-sized businesses. Cargo-passenger modifications add versatility, as they are suitable for both commercial purposes and personal use.
Experts from the Institute of Car Market Research have determined the dynamics of trade in this segment, as well as the most popular types and models for each of the groups. Letʼs start with the total trading volumes. During 2024, a total of 68.2 thousand cars of the LCV group were purchased. Compared to 2023, this is 10.9% more. Here are the dynamics by subsegments (2024 to 2023):
- Domestic resales: +12.6%
- Imports of used cars: −3.7%
- New imports: +34.4%
- Made in Ukraine: −10.2%
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 were massively re-registering it to other persons, trading volumes returned to average values, but did not hold on to them, and it is further seen how demand for transport for business continued to decline.
Despite the fact that there is a total statistical increase at the end of the year, it was mainly generated in the first half of the year, in addition, the "rewriting" of cars to family members or relatives added its weight. Therefore, in general, the LCV segment is significantly losing momentum — in January 2025, a total of 2.4 thousand cars of this group were also sold.
The segment structure is as follows: the largest share, 74.9% — domestic resales; 15.5% were imported used light trucks, 8.6% — new imported, 1.0% — produced or re-equipped in Ukraine. The total share of new cars — 9.6%. Based on the share of each of the subsegments, we will consider them in more detail in the same order.
LCV — domestic market
In this part, cargo vans, which form the basis of the segment, were the most popular. Light-duty vans and cargo-passenger versions were purchased less frequently.
Among individual models , the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter retained its lead, followed by Renault Master and Ford Transit in the top three. In total, 51,066 domestic sales contracts were concluded last year.
LCV — used import
Last year, our fleet was replenished with 10,602 LCV vehicles. Similar to the previous subsegment, here buyers most often chose “custom” cargo vans, somewhat less often refrigerated vans and flatbed versions.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Renault Master lead this group. Renault Kangoo is third.
LCV — new sales
In 2024, 6,545 new light trucks entered Ukrainian roads for the first time. Of these , 5,894 were imported, 651 were registered as manufactured (or converted in factory conditions) in Ukraine.
In this part of the market, the most popular types are vans, cargo-passenger vehicles, and flatbed versions.
The leader among new LCVs was the Renault Master, followed by the Renault Express in second place, and the Citroen Berlingo van in third place.
The average age in the secondary market for LCVs is 16.5 years for domestic resales, and 6.7 years for "freshly driven" cars.
Among used (combining the domestic market and imports) light commercial vehicles, 86.2% are diesel versions; 7.9% are gasoline with LPG (which have on-board gas cylinder equipment); 4.5% are gasoline. The share of electric vehicles here is only 1.4%.
Among new LCVs, the picture is as follows: 93.4% are diesel; 4.7% are gasoline; 1.6% are electric, and 0.3% are versions with LPG.
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