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The Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation

Industry urged to capitalise on LCV market growth

Date: Thursday 10 June 2021

As we move to a world fuelled by increasing expectations for quicker delivery turnaround times, the growth of the UK’s light commercial vehicle (LCV) sector has been significant and continues to rise steadily year on year.

Leading by example, turbocharger specialist Melett is now urging the automotive industry to make the most of the opportunities this growth presents.

Darren Johnson, Group Sales Director at Melett, said:

“In the UK economy, second and third life vans play a key role, as many SMEs and sole traders use them for their operations. As a result, it’s imperative that the aftermarket is proactive and prepared to service these vehicles as and when necessary.
“The LCV sector represents a huge opportunity for the aftermarket and therefore the supply chain should be working collaboratively to ensure we can maximise this opportunity and plan ahead to capitalise on a market that is expected to continue growing long into the future.”

Recently, the LCV sector has become even more important and has helped to not only drive the economy forward by enabling trade to continue across the UK, but it has also supported millions of jobs, including fleets, and the SME and sole-trader sector.

Increasing by 59% since 2000, it is clear to see that the van parc has grown significantly in recent years, especially as this is also most double what we’re experiencing in the car sector.

There are a number of reasons to explain this, such as more people opting to go self-employed and using their own van to transport materials or tools.

Many large commercial fleets have also downsized from HGVs to LCVs as they seek to develop more agile supply chains.

Perhaps most importantly, the substantial rise in e-commerce and online shopping is causing greater demand for next-day delivery.

Statistics show more people are buying goods and services online than ever before. Online sales in the UK are now estimated to be worth £174 billion a year.

This has been intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced shops and businesses to shut their doors, with consumers turning to online resources, whereby delivery is the only viable option. In fact, this could ultimately change shopping habits for the foreseeable future, if not forever.

The move away from lighter and medium weight trucks and the effects of driver licensing legislation has also fuelled demand for more vans on the road.

With this in mind, Melett has implemented a clear strategy to ensure it can meet increased demand to supply turbochargers and parts for the van vehicle parc.

Dedicated to growing its range of turbochargers for the light commercial vehicle parc, the specialist recently launched an additional eight OE-quality turbochargers covering a range of popular van makes and models, including Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter, Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Jumper, Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Partner, Citroën Berlingo, and Volkswagen Crafter.

Melett turbochargers and parts, together with a full range of repair services, are available through the company’s network of repair and distribution partners.

For more information on Melett’s extensive range of products, visit www.melett.com