LCV sales suffer as supply shortages continue
UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations reached 282,139 units in 2022, a decline of 20.6% on the previous year.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said that performance was to be held back by persistent supply chain issues, and as a result the market was 22.9% down on pre-pandemic 2019.
However, demand for battery electric vans (BEVs) grew, with deliveries up 31.2% to 16,744 units, meaning four in 10 of all the BEVs ever registered in the UK were delivered last year.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “While demand for new vans remained robust throughout 2022, replicating last year’s high levels of fleet renewal was always going to be a challenge with relentless supply chain disruptions and wider economic malaise. A return to growth is expected in 2023, but if this crucial sector is to deliver for the economy, society and the environment, action is needed from all stakeholders, particularly in the areas of charging infrastructure and fiscal frameworks, enabling more van buyers to make the switch.”
