Light commercial vehicle sales edge up in August
New light commercial vehicle sales rose 0.6% in August to 14,445 units, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
A fifth consecutive month of increasing registrations took year-to-date sales to 201,671 units, which is four per cent up on the first eight months of 2025.
Large vans drove the overall growth, rising for a ninth month, by 5.2% to 10,943 units, while demand in the small volume 4×4 sector grew by 165.6% to 510 registrations.
However, the medium- and small-sized van segments fell, by 3.9% and 15.1% to 2,289 and 299 units respectively, while pickups recorded the steepest decline of 61.2% to 404 units.
In terms of electric vans, registrations rose 25.9% to 2,395 units and a record 16.3% market share, but year-to-date market share is still just 11% – less than half of the 24% ZEV Mandate target for 2026.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “August’s traditionally low volumes often lead to market volatility – and while a record market share for electric vans should rightly be celebrated, September will show the reality of the transition as the new numberplate drives greater volume.
“With EV demand remaining drastically adrift of mandate targets, government’s decision to bring forward its review is essential, and meaningful change will be required to sustain a market that keeps the economy moving. Reforming the regulation to align with market conditions will drive investment, protect the UK’s competitiveness and deliver a transition that benefits everyone.”
