UK new LCV registrations fell by 15.1% year-on-year in October.
The figure, from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) continues a pattern of decline seen so far this year, with the market down 10.2% so far in 2025, but follows a relatively stronger performance in September.
October’s data includes a 5.8% year-on-year fall in electric LCV sales, the first decline seen in this segment for 13 months – although their share of the market still increased to 9.2% owing to a bigger fall in demand for diesel vehicles.
Registrations of vans weighing 2.5-3.5t were down by 7% year-on-year in October, with 16,443 registered.
2.0-2.5t vans were down by 41.2%, to 3,347, while vans weighing less than 2.0t were down by 23.4%, to 523.
Pick-up truck registrations fell by 20.2%, to 2,143, while 4x4s saw an 88% increase, to 440.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “While October’s decline is unsurprising amid the intense economic pressure facing businesses, returning the van market to growth is essential – especially to underpin new investment in zero emission models, which until now had bucked wider trends.
“Every lever must be pulled to get the market back on track, and transitioned at mandated levels. Accelerating infrastructure rollout and grid connections, in particular, will help ensure government targets are not just an aspiration but are actually deliverable for manufacturers and operators alike.”
The Ford Transit Custom topped the LCV registrations chart in October on 4,110, ahead of the Ford Transit with 2,589 and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with 1,203.
Completing the top ten were the Ford Ranger (1,153 registrations), Volkswagen Transporter (1,112), Peugeot Expert (849), Vauxhall Vivaro (752), Volkswagen Crafter (745), Peugeot Partner (743), and Renault Trafic (661).
