The Ford Ranger is, once again, the best-selling pickup truck in the UK, with registrations reaching 18,679 in 2023.

That’s a rise of 11% over the previous year’s total, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), and enough to give Ford a 45.5% share of the UK’s pickup market.

However, while sales of the Ranger have increased, a surge from Toyota and Isuzu, as well as Volkswagen with its Ranger-based Amarok, means the brand’s market share has dropped from 2022’s high of 56.9%.

Popularity with buyers has been boosted with the introduction of a batch of new models to the Ranger lineup, with Tremor, Wildtrak X, and Platinum specifications joining the core trim levels. A plug-in hybrid version of the pickup will join the range in 2025.

The success of the Ford Ranger in 2023 is backed by the vehicle being named International Pick-up of the Year in November, sharing the title with the Volkswagen Amarok.

Ford’s success continues in other market sectors, with the Transit Custom taking the best-selling van title, with the larger Transit taking second place. The enduring popularity of the Transit means it’s been the nation’s favourite van for 58 years.

Ford’s passenger cars have proven popular, too, with its Puma compact SUV rising to top the tables, ahead of the Nissan Qashqai and Vauxhall Corsa.

Talking of the broader LCV market, SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes commented: “Rising demand for new vans in every month of 2023 – along with record uptake of battery electric vans – is positive news for the UK, given the vital role of these vehicles in keeping businesses and the economy moving. Demand for new vans is also essential for decarbonisation and, as the UK’s ambitious mandate for electric van sales comes into effect, every lever must be pulled to make the switch accessible for fleets in every region. If 2024 is to be the year of the electric van, investment in chargepoint infrastructure is mission-critical – bringing with it the successful green transition and economic growth the nation needs.”

Phil Huff
Latest posts by Phil Huff (see all)
Published on