SMMT reports LCV sales strong despite July dip

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has reported an 8.5% fall in light commercial vehicle sales in July.

Its figures revealed that sales fell to 24,689 vans last month, but year-to-date sales remain strong at 2.7% higher than the same period last year, making it the best first seven months of a year since 2019.

The dip in demand in July affected most segments, with uptake of the largest vans down 12% to 16,814 units and medium-sized vans down 8.4%. However, sales of small vans surged by 117.6% to 929 units.

However, EV sales to fleets were down 14.6% to 1,415 units and since January BEVs have accounted for just 5.1% of all new van sales, which is down seven per cent on last year. This comes despite manufacturers increasing the range of LCV models available in the UK market from 25 this time last year to 28 today.

LCV sales strong despite July dip

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “Britain’s new van market remains robust following a record-equalling growth run and, despite a dip in June and July, demand will resume with manufacturers offering impressive product line-ups.

“Declining uptake of the very greenest models remains a major concern, however, given the UK’s zero emission ambitions. Industry has invested – and continues to commit – billions into this transition but manufacturers cannot deliver this alone. Given the paucity of van-specific charging infrastructure, we need an equally ambitious mandate for chargepoint rollout, one that supports operators right across the country.”