Light commercial vehicle sales fell more than 15% in October and means year-to-date sales are down 10% on the same period last year.
According to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, 22,896 vans, pickups and 4x4s were registered last month, with declines recorded across all van sizes.
Volumes of the largest LCVs fell by seven per cent to 16,443 units while registrations of new medium- and small-sized vans decreased by 41.2% and 23.4% to 3,347 and 523 units respectively.
In the 4×4 segment, registrations were up 88% to 440 units while demand for new pickups fell by 20% to 2,143 units.
Meanwhile, volumes of new battery electric vans declined for the first time 13 months, falling by 5.8% to 2,132 units, although market share edged up to 9.2%. Year-to-date, volumes have now increased by 47.4% to 24,250 units but still represent just 9.1% of all new registrations in 2025.
Looking ahead, the SMMT predicts the new LCV market to reach 321,000 units in 2025 before growing 4.2% to 334,600 units in 2026.
Unsurprising decline
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “While October’s decline is unsurprising amid the intense economic pressure facing businesses, returning the van market to growth is essential, especially to underpin new investment in zero emission models, which until now had bucked wider trends. Every lever must be pulled to get the market back on track, and transitioned at mandated levels.
“Accelerating infrastructure rollout and grid connections, in particular, will help ensure government targets are not just an aspiration but are actually deliverable for manufacturers and operators alike.”
