Light commercial vehicle sales down a fifth in February
New light commercial vehicle sales fell by 19.3% to 14,476 units in February, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The third consecutive monthly decline led to the month’s lowest sales total since 2020, with falling demand attributed to weak business confidence ahead of upcoming tax changes.
Registrations of smaller vans weighing under 2.0 tonnes was up 55.3% to 427 units, representing 2.9% of the market, but all other sectors saw sales decrease.
Volumes of medium vans were down by 33% to 2,119 units, while larger vans weighing greater than 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes dropped by 19% to 9,962 units. Meanwhile, 4x4s and pick-ups saw sales fall by 45.7% and 4.8% respectively.
Electric van sales
However, uptake of battery electric vans weighing up to 4.25 tonnes grew for the fifth consecutive month, up 55.1% to 1,413 units, with market share rising to 9.7%.
But with the industry charged to deliver a 16% zero emission new van market this year, the SMMT says urgent action is needed to encourage operators to switch, along with workable regulation that delivers growth and decarbonisation.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Against an increasingly difficult economic backdrop, van manufacturers have shown resilience, but the decline was perhaps inevitable after two years of strong performance. Even in a contracting market, however, zero emission uptake is positive but still struggles to match the ambition of regulation.
“While the ongoing Plug-in Van Grant provides a lifeline, we still need support to bolster operator confidence, boost demand and deliver decarbonisation. Industry has committed billions to this vital transition and the mandate review must deliver workable measures that enable that commitment to deliver our shared ambition.”
