Light commercial vehicle market records double digit growth
The new light commercial vehicle market grew 11.4% to 25,510 units in October, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The LCV market has now grown for seven months in a row, while year-to-date volumes are up 4.8% to 276,885 registrations.
Large vans delivered the bulk of volume growth, up 12.9% to 18,560 units in October, while medium vans rose by 14.3% to 3,825 units, and 4x4s were up 104.3% to 899 units. However, small van deliveries fell 11.7% to 462 units and pickup registrations were down 17.7% to 1,764 units.
More positively, electric van uptake achieved its best ever October, up 58% to 3,369 registrations and a 12.9% market share, bolstering the year-to-date share to 11%.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Seven months of new van market growth reflects a slight recovery in buyer confidence after 2025, but the fragility of this confidence makes the EV transition particularly tough to deliver.
“While electric van uptake is accelerating rapidly, demand remains far behind the optimistic and unrealistic expectations of the mandate. Government’s review must provide clear and meaningful trajectory change before the year ends, not marginal tinkering, to avoid damaging the market, and the businesses and economic growth which depend on this sector.
