The light commercial vehicle market (LCV) in France

A light commercial vehicle (LCV) is defined as a four-wheeled motor vehicle whose gross vehicle weight does not exceed 3.5 metric tonnes. They are generally used for the transportation of goods. While this is a technical definition it is quite broad and a they can be categorised by their typology

Van (i.e. Peugot Boxer or Renault Rifter

Mini-van (i.e. Renault Kangoo or Citroën Berlingo. This can be seated or unseated, with only the first row having 3 seats)

Pick-up truck

Mini-truck (i.e. Nissan Cabstar)

Other (i.e. Piaggio Ape)

The global LCV market has been in constant fluctuation in recent years, it peaked in 2016 and proceeded to record decade lows in 2018 and 2019. Naturally, the COVID-19 pandemic did not help and the market suffered further. In France however, 2019 saw record sales for this market and it grew by 4.5% compared to 2018.

LCVs are a key part of the logistics sector and particularly in the 'last-mile' delivery of goods. These types of vehicles are also used for the delivery of services and occasionally used for transportation of people. With the advent of e-commerce, which has been accelerated by the pandemic, these vehicles are becoming even more crucial to the economy of urban centers. Consumers and manufacturers are becoming more acutely aware of the environmental challenges ahead and are complying with increasing regulations with more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly LCVs being manufactured and bought each year. Due to this R&D in this market is also significant.

In France, French manufacturing companies such as Groupe Renault and Groupe PSA control an very significant share of the market. Other foreign groups such as Fiat Group, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Ford have smaller but still significant shares of the national market