LCV registrations still on the slide

The UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market declined for the sixth consecutive month in June, falling 23% to 26,443 units.

That continues the trend throughout 2022, with LCV registrations down by 24.6% in the first six months compared with the same period last year.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the half-year decline is, in part, exacerbated by comparison with 2021, which saw the third best start to a year as pent-up demand for online delivery vehicles and a bounce-back in the construction sector boosted registrations.

However, despite the ongoing supply challenges, growth in battery electric vans (BEVs) continued in June, up 52.4% to 2,015 units. Registrations for the year are at 8,100 units, a 60% increase on the same period last year. However, BEVs still represent only one in 13 new van registrations in the UK this year.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The impact of the global shortage of semiconductors is severe, constraining supplies and extending lead times for commercial vehicles. While electric vehicle registrations are growing in response to an ever-wider choice of plug-in models, a successful transition means accelerating uptake at pace, and this task could not come at a more difficult time. With inflation and energy costs hitting the pockets of UK van buyers, as well as the industry, operators need to be assured that charging infrastructure can meet their needs and that fiscal and grant incentives are in place for the long term.”

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