Eighth month of decline for UK van market

The new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market fell by 5.1 per cent in July with 24,433 vans, 4x4s, pickups and taxis joining the road, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

This marks the sector’s eighth consecutive month of decline and the weakest July since 2022, as sluggish business confidence in the UK deters fleet investment and economic conditions remain tough.

Demand fell across most segments in the month, with uptake of the smallest vans recording the sharpest drop, down 20.6 per cent to 738 units, while deliveries of the largest models fell 4.6 per cent to 16,040 units. Following April’s tax change to treat double-cabs as cars for benefit-in-kind and capital allowance purposes, the pickup segment declined for a third consecutive month, down 17.3 per cent to 1,897 units. Growth, however, was recorded in registrations of mid-sized vans, up 2.5 per cent to 4,138 units and 4x4s, up 0.5 per cent to 620 units.

Manufacturers have invested heavily to deliver choice across a range of electric van models, payloads and price points – with more than 40 to choose from. The market is responding, with deliveries of BEVs rising by 72.6 per cent to 2,442 in July – totalling eight months of continuous growth. In the year to date, however, BEVs represent just 8.8 per cent of the overall market – a significant distance from the 16 per cent mandated, indicating a pressing need for action to boost operator confidence. Expediting depot grid connections, ensuring efficient implementation of local planning and promptly delivering LCV-suitable infrastructure, are all essential to encourage investment and accelerate the transition.

The latest 2025 outlook has been revised downwards, with the market now expected to decline by more than 30,000 units, or 8.7 per cent, to 321,000 units. The BEV share of LCV registrations up to 3.5 tonnes has also been adjusted downwards for 2025, to 8.6 per cent,4 with a marginal increase to 13.7 per cent expected in 2026 against a mandated target of 24 per cent in that year.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Eight months of LCV market decline underlines the ongoing economic pressures facing businesses, yet the sector remains steadfast in its commitment to decarbonise.

“Manufacturers continue to invest in delivering a diverse range of zero emission vans to suit every use case and it’s encouraging to see uptake growing – but to meet mandated targets, it must grow faster. Accelerating infrastructure rollout, streamlining planning processes and providing targeted support for fleet operators are essential to drive progress and keep the UK at the forefront of road transport decarbonisation.”