UK new LCV registrations fell for the fifth month in a row in April, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
A total of 20,407 new LCVs were registered last month, a fall of 14.9% year-on-year.
Registrations in the market-leading 2.5-3.5t van segment were down by 22.9% year-on-year, with 12,113 registered, while registrations of 2.0-2.5t vans were down by 5.8% to 4,344, and vans weighing less than 2.0t were down by 5.5% to 571.
Pick-up truck registrations were up by 10.2%, to 2,740, and 4×4 registrations were up by 19.2% to 564.
Electric LCV registrations were up by 77.5% year-on-year to 1,686, representing an 8.3% market share.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Five months of shrinking demand for new vans reflects weaker business confidence and a challenging economic environment. Such conditions discourage fleet upgrades into new zero emission technology, meaning older, more polluting vehicles stay on the road longer.
“Switching must have clear commercial benefits, so the sector needs bold and assertive action if ambitious mandate targets are to be met. Preferential treatment for grid connections, more affordable energy and consistent local planning – all are needed to make the case for going electric unarguable.”
