UK demand for new LCVs fell by 14.9% in April to 20,332 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
This made it the worst April since 2020, with LCV sales now down for five months in a row.
April’s decline was led by 22.9% fewer registrations of the largest new vans, down to 12,113 units, while deliveries of medium and small new vans fell 5.8% and 5.5% to 4,344 and 571 units respectively.
However, new 4×4 sales were up 19.2% to 564 units while registrations of pickups rose for the second consecutive month, by 10.2% to 2,740 units.
Meanwhile, April demand for new electric vans weighing up to 4.25 tonnes grew for the seventh month running, surging by 77.5% to 1,686 units, representing 8.3% of the market.
Despite this, electric vehicle uptake during 2025 remains at 8.3%, little more than half the 16% market share mandated.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Five months of shrinking demand for new vans reflects weaker business confidence and a challenging economic environment. Such conditions discourage fleet upgrades into new zero emission technology, meaning older, more polluting vehicles stay on the road longer.
“Switching must have clear commercial benefits, so the sector needs bold and assertive action if ambitious mandate targets are to be met. Preferential treatment for grid connections, more affordable energy and consistent local planning – all are needed to make the case for going electric unarguable.”
