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Sales of vans up to 3.5 tonnes fell slightly in April 2026. Volkswagen Transporter retakes top spot. Read the BOVAG figures on AutoReview.
Sales of commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes fell slightly in April 2026 compared with March. This is according to the latest BOVAG sales figures, published by AutoReview. The market therefore continues to struggle, although there are positive outliers.
The Volkswagen Transporter firmly retook the top spot in April. This model was the best-selling van of the month. Other popular models are not mentioned in the article, but the figures show that the Transporter is clearly preferred by commercial vehicle buyers.
The exact numbers and percentage decline are not stated in the source. AutoReview bases its reporting on official BOVAG data. The figures were published on 4 May 2026.
The slight decline in April fits a pattern of cautious investment by entrepreneurs. Businesses are postponing replacement purchases due to persistent economic uncertainty, higher interest rates and the switch to electric vans. Figures from BOVAG and RAI Vereniging show that total sales volume in the first four months of 2026 is still above pre-pandemic levels, but growth is flattening.
Observers point to three factors: still relatively high new prices, uncertainty about future environmental zones and the availability of used alternatives. Manufacturers are delivering faster than a year ago, but demand is faltering. For the van market, the balance between petrol, diesel and electric is shifting: electric models are gaining ground, while diesel remains dominant in the heavy segment. This transition is making buyers hesitant.
The Transporter dethroned the Ford Transit Custom in April. That success is due to a combination of available stock, a broad model range and the trust the name enjoys in the market. Volkswagen has delivered relatively quickly in recent months, while some competitors were still dealing with production backlogs. In addition, the Transporter benefits from an extensive dealer network and strong residual value, which is attractive for leasing companies and large fleet users.
The model also scores well on substance: the T6.1 offers comfort, safety systems and a clear dashboard. The arrival of the new Transporter (based on the Ford Transit Custom) has drawn mixed reactions, but the current range, including the e-Transporter and 4Motion, attracts a wide range of buyers. In the mid-size segment, the Transporter and the Volkswagen Caddy even join forces to gain market share.
Although the Transporter is known as a solid work van, every generation has its points of attention. For the T5 (2003-2015), the focus is on the 2.0 TDI common-rail engine: a faulty EGR valve, problems with the fuel injectors and oil pump failures occurred. Early 2.5 TDI examples sometimes show unfortunate camshaft wear. The manual gearbox in the T5 and T4 can suffer from worn synchroniser rings, making shifting stiffer.
The T6 (2015-2024) brought improvements, but the DSG automatic (DQ250 and later DQ381) requires strict maintenance intervals. If oil changes are neglected, internal defects occur in the mechatronics. The 2.0 BiTDI with 204 hp can also deliver abrupt torque delivery, which is hard on the gearbox. Engines that stall spontaneously often point to a vacuum leak or a problem with the fuel supply. Regular maintenance is therefore crucial to stay ahead of these problems.
Residual value
When trading in or selling your van directly, professional buyers look in detail at the service history and any known weak points. Dealer service records, verifiable DSG oil changes and a tidy body can make the difference between a standard offer and an above-average price. Conversely, unaddressed faults, such as a soot-clogged EGR valve or a stiff-shifting gearbox, can depress the offer.
Selling
The original article is at the source. Click through to read the full report.
