LCV sales report strong growth

Demand for new light commercial vehicles rose 5.4% in April, according to data released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

It reported that sales were up to 23,889 units, making it the highest total for the month since 2021.

Growth was underpinned by demand for the largest LCV models weighing more than 2.5 tonnes to 3.5 tonnes, with sales up 3.3% to 15,714 units – accounting for almost two thirds (65.8%) of registrations. Deliveries of medium-sized vans grew by 6.8% to 4,611 units, while small van sales increased by 41.1% to 2.5% of the market.

However, deliveries of the latest zero emission LCVs declined by 42.4% to 861 units, meaning BEVs accounted for just 3.6% of all new LCV registrations compared with 6.6% in 2023.

Based on these figures, the new van market is predicted to grow by 3.3% to 353,000 units this year, while anticipated BEV market share has been revised down from 9.4% to 8.3%. This is despite a 44.1% rise in volumes to 29,000 units.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Britain’s new van market continues to grow with the very latest, more fuel efficient models driving down CO₂ – a core mission for the sector. Manufacturers are investing billions to bring electric vehicles to market, however, uptake is slowing and urgent action is needed.

“If government is serious about delivery of its ambitious targets, it must deploy an equally bold strategy for delivering van-suitable public chargepoints across the UK, now the single most important step to get a greener Britain moving.”