UK new LCV sales up 5.4% in April, marking 16th consecutive month of growth

UK demand for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) rose by 5.4 per cent in April as more businesses invested in the latest models, according to new figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 23,889 new vans, 4x4s and pickups were registered, the highest total for the month since 2021, as fleets invested in vehicles to support local trades, doorstep services and other increasingly vital parts of the logistics sector.
Growth across the market was underpinned by the long-term popularity of the largest LCV models weighing more than 2.5 tonnes to 3.5 tonnes, up 3.3 per cent to 15,714 units – accounting for almost two thirds (65.8 per cent) of registrations. Deliveries of medium-sized vans grew by 6.8 per cent to 4,611 units, while the biggest percentage increase was for the smallest vans, up 41.1 per cent – albeit still representing just 2.5 per cent of the market. Pick-up volumes also rose, by 16.2 per cent to 2,487 units, while deliveries of new 4x4s fell by -17.6 per cent to 473 units, compared with a particularly strong April last year.
Deliveries of the very latest zero emission LCVs declined last month, with new battery electric van (BEV) uptake falling to 861 units, down -42.4 per cent compared with last year’s uptick in demand. It means BEVs accounted for just 3.6 per cent of all new LCV registrations compared with 6.6 per cent in April last year. The month traditionally has low registration volumes following new plate March and is therefore subject to volatility, however, such a decline in BEV uptake – just as government targets demand rapid growth – puts green goals at risk.
Industry’s latest market outlook expects the UK’s new van market to grow by 3.3 per cent to 353,000 units this year, while BEV market share has been revised to 8.3 per cent, down from 9.4 per cent in the January outlook. BEV volumes are still expected to rise by 44.1 per cent in 2024 to 29,000 units, but uptake is set to remain below the ambitious sales targets set for manufacturers in the Vehicle Emissions Trading Scheme (VETS). Manufacturers continue to invest to deliver more zero emission models with competitive ranges and payloads, quiet operation and high comfort levels – but they alone cannot drive Britain’s green goals. While some flexibilities in the early years of the VETS will help, however, the lack of suitable public charging infrastructure for vans remains a significant barrier to switching to zero emission fleet operations.
Decarbonising the sector therefore depends on a nationally planned, locally delivered chargepoint strategy that meets the specific needs of vans – particularly the largest models for which existing infrastructure is not normally suitable. Identifying the best places to locate such chargepoints, while speeding up grid connections in every part of the country, is essential to give operators confidence to invest. Given the current need to create the right conditions for more fleets to switch, the Plug-in Van Grant must also remain in place, else the UK risks slowing down road decarbonisation.
Commenting on the figures, Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Britain’s new van market continues to grow with the very latest, more fuel-efficient models driving down CO2 – a core mission for the sector. Manufacturers are investing billions to bring electric vehicles to market, however, uptake is slowing and urgent action is needed. If government is serious about delivery of its ambitious targets, it must deploy an equally bold strategy for delivering van-suitable public chargepoints across the UK, now the single most important step to get a greener Britain moving.”
LCV sales continue to rise in April
For 2024, year-to-date SMMT figures reveal 118,701 new LCVs are on the road this year, an increase of 8.0 per cent.
The NFDA’s Sue Robinson commented: “The 2.5-3.5t sector represents the dominant vehicle choice accounting for the majority of LCV registrations. These LCVs are operated by both large fleets and local tradesmen and have a very wide appeal due to their maximum payload capacity.
“It is notable that the take-up of EV commercials remains weak with market share for April falling well below that recorded in April 2023. Similarly, year-to-date figures see a similar story with EV market share at 4.9 per cent, -0.5 per cent lower than the market share recorded at this same point last year.
“Van buyers need confidence from the Government to make the switch to new EV commercials through measures such as improving charging infrastructure. With the ZEV mandate stipulating that 10 per cent of vans sold by manufacturers this year are required to be zero-emissions or face penalties, it is crucial that incentives are introduced by the Government to drive up demand and meet these targets.”
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