UK new LCV registrations fell year-on-year for the sixth consecutive month in May.
Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that 22,796 LCVs were registered last month, down by 11.8% compared with May 2024.
There was better news regarding electric LCV registrations, which were up by 50% year-on-year in May. However, the SMMT pointed out that the resulting 7.6% market share for the vehicles during the month was still less than half the 16% required this year by the UK Government’s ZEV mandate.
In terms of segment, registrations of 2.5-3.5t vans were down by 14% in May, with 14,652 registered.
Registrations of 2.0-2.5t vans were down by 9.2%, to 4,065, while registrations of vans weighing less than 2.0t were down by 7.8%, to 673.
Pick-up truck registrations were down by 12.7%, to 2,690, while 4×4 registrations were up by 36.9%, to 716.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Six months of declining new van demand reflects a tough economic environment and weak business confidence – and that won’t be helped by punitive taxes such as on double-cabs that will only restrict wider growth.
“Fleet renewal with the latest, cleanest models must be encouraged so it’s positive that zero-emission van uptake is rising, but with market share at just half the mandated level, it’s clear we need action to drive that uptake faster.
“Accelerating LCV-centric and affordable chargepoint rollout is the bold next step that van operators and manufacturers need now.”
The Ford Transit Custom topped the LCV registrations chart in May with 3,365, ahead of the Ford Transit with 2,449, and the Peugeot Partner with 1,216.
Completing the top ten were the Toyota Hilux (1,096 registrations), Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (1,064), Ford Ranger (1,003), Citroen Berlingo (688), Volkswagen Crafter (664), Vauxhall Vivaro (653), and Renault Trafic (646).
