Full-size commercial vans are a big part of the transportation industry. They take care of package deliveries, support construction, plumbers, electricians, used as people shuttles, and much more. 2016 was a very good year for full-size vans. The segment overall registered a 15.3% improvement over 2015. The surge in sales was led by the Ford Transit and Ram ProMaster. The Ford has a huge lead over the competition, but the Ram was the most improved. The ProMaster sold 45.4% more vans in 2016 than in 2015, and it now sits firmly in fourth place.
Full-size Commercial Van – December 2016 Sales
| Dec 2016 # | Dec ’16 / ’15 % | YTD 2016 # | YTD ’16 / ’15 % | |
| Ford Transit | 13,056 | 4.1% | 143,244 | 21.8% |
| Chevy Express | 7,763 | 5.5% | 68,007 | 7.3% |
| Ford E-Series | 4,753 | 27.7% | 54,245 | 6.8% |
| Ram ProMaster | 4,694 | 13.0% | 40,440 | 45.4% |
| GMC Savana | 4,316 | 55.2% | 20,607 | -6.3% |
| Mercedes Sprinter/Metris | 3,860 | -4.6% | 34,304 | 14.8% |
| Nissan NV | 1,937 | 0.7% | 17,873 | 5.4% |
| Total: | 378,720 | 15.3% |
*Mercedes-Benz Sprinter sales numbers are now reported in combination with the Mercedes-Benz Metris van.
Here is a look at 2017 Ford Transit customization options.
The picture is different when talking about the small commercial vans. The segment shrunk by a significant -8.9%. Ford Transit Connect and the Chevy City Express contributed the most to the decline.
Small Commercial Van – December 2016 Sales
| Dec 2016 # | Dec ’16 / ’15 % | YTD 2016 # | YTD ’16 / ’15 % | |
| Ford Transit Connect | 4,493 | -14.9% | 43,232 | -17.3% |
| Nissan NV200 | 1,538 | -13.6% | 18,523 | 7.0% |
| Ram ProMaster City | 1,347 | -55.7% | 15,972 | 44.5% |
| Chevrolet City Express | 729 | -33.0 | 7,019 | -31.7% |
| Total: | 84,767 | -8.9% |
Here is a small commercial van first drive comparison review.
