New LCV sales bounce back in April
New LCV sales rose by 6.8% in April to 21,716 units, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Overall growth was driven by deliveries of large vans, which was up 28.5% to 15,561 units and 71.7% of all new LCVs registered.
Medium-sized vans declined by 20% to 3,476 units, while in the smaller volume segments, registrations of 4x4s rose by 81.6% to 1,024 units and small vans fell 14.4% to 489 units.
Elsewhere, demand for pickups slumped by 57.4% to just 1,166 units, the 11th month of contraction in the year following last April’s fiscal changes to treat double cabs as cars for Benefit in Kind purposes.
More positively, demand for electric vans rebounded from a disappointing March to rise 44% to 2,439 registrations – although this remains less than half the 24% share mandated for 2026.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “April’s improved market is welcome news, despite a tough economic environment. New LCV investment drives growth and decarbonisation, but must be sustained by investment in public and depot BEV infrastructure – and a reversal of BIK on double cabs – to build momentum for fleet renewal that cuts emissions and boosts business.”
