LCV sales return to growth in August – SMMT

The UK’s new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market returned to growth in August, rising 1.7% to record the best performance for the month since 2021.

This follows two months of decline, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

It reported that 16,575 vans, 4x4s, pickups and taxis were sold during the month.

The market for smaller-sized vans weighing up to and including 2.0 tonnes was up 24.5% to 427 units, while registrations of medium-sized vans weighing greater than 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes grew by 1.9% to 2,771 units, and larger vans weighing 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes increased by 1.8% to 11,753 units to hold a 70.9% market share.

However, deliveries of 4x4s and pickups declined by 12.9% and 2.5% respectively to make up a combined 1,624 units.

Battery electric van (BEV) registrations fell for a third successive month and was down 30.3% year on year, accounting for just 5.5% of all new vans in August. Year-to-date, volumes have fallen by 9.5% and market share has declined to 5.1%.

LCV sales

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “A return to growth for Britain’s new van sector is encouraging as the market continues its post-Covid recovery. Manufacturers continue to produce a range of new models, with many of these zero emission.

“However, such a significant and sustained drop in demand for electric vans is of deep concern given the ambitious and mandated sales targets required this year and beyond. There is a pressing need to stimulate operator confidence which means providing long term certainty over the Plug-in Van Grant, maintaining fiscal incentives, and accelerating the rollout of van-suitable charging infrastructure. Without these measures, the ability of the UK to meet its net zero goals while driving economic growth will be put under pressure.