UK new LCV registrations fell year-on-year for the eighth consecutive month in July, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
It said last month’s total of 24,433 registrations represented a 5.1% year-on-year decline, and the weakest July for the market since 2022.
The 2.5-3.5t van segment saw registrations fall by 4.6% year-on-year in July, to 16,040.
The 2.0-2.5t van segment actually recorded an increase, by 2.5% to 4,138, but vans weighing less than 2.0t were down by 20.6%, to 738.
Pick-up truck registrations were down by 17.3%, to 1,897, while 4x4s saw a slight bump of 0.5% to 620.
Electric LCV registrations were up by 72.6% year-on-year to 2,442, accounting for 10.3% of the market.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Eight months of LCV market decline underlines the ongoing economic pressures facing businesses, yet the sector remains steadfast in its commitment to decarbonise.
“Manufacturers continue to invest in delivering a diverse range of zero emission vans to suit every use case, and it’s encouraging to see uptake growing – but to meet mandated targets, it must grow faster.
“Accelerating infrastructure rollout, streamlining planning processes and providing targeted support for fleet operators are essential to drive progress and keep the UK at the forefront of road transport decarbonisation.”
The Ford Transit Custom was the UK’s best-selling LCV in July, with 3,784 registrations, ahead of the Ford Transit with 2,461, and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with 1,257.
Completing the top ten were the Vauxhall Vivaro (1,125 registrations), Citroen Berlingo (918), Renault Trafic (886), Toyota Hilux (820), Peugeot Expert (717), Ford Transit Courier (693), and Volkswagen Transporter (683).
