NEW LIGHT COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MARKET SEES THIRD CONSECUTIVE MONTHLY DECLINE AS EV UPTAKE GROWS

“The new van market has experienced its third consecutive monthly decline, with February typically being a slower month, especially with the upcoming plate change in March” said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK, commenting on the latest SMMT’s new van registration figures.

In February, Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) dealers registered a total of 14,476 new vans and light commercials, a decrease of -19.3% year-on-year and a third consecutive monthly decline.

For 2025, year-to-date figures reveal 33,526 new LCVs, up to 3.5 tonnes, are on the road this year, a decline of -20.0%.

Registrations were down across most van weight categories. Small vans, under 2.0t, were a bright spot with registrations increasing by 55.3% to 427 units. Medium vans, between 2.0–2.5t, dropped by -33.0% to 2,119 units, and the larger, popular vans, between 2.5-3.5t also fell by -19.0%, with 9,962 units registered. The pick-up segment continues to experience a decline, falling by -4.8% to 1,804 units.

Electric van sales saw growth, with BEVs under 3.5t, rising by 47.9% to 1,253 units in February. The volume for EV vans has increased to 2,877 units for the year, representing 8.5% of the total market share year-to-date.

Sue Robinson added: “A positive trend in the figures was the growth in electric van adoption, with the year-to-date market share reaching 8.5%, yet this still falls short of the ZEV mandate target of 16% for the year.

“Last week, the Government announced a one-year extension to the plug-in van grant, which the NFDA welcomed for providing stability in the shift to zero-emission vans. However, more needs to be done to reduce red tape and level the playing field for commercial vehicle customers, as well as accelerate the transition to zero-emission light commercials.

“Notably, the Government has rejected additional driver training for heavy 4.25t electric vans and has also not addressed their HGV classification, requiring them to undergo an early MOT at truck testing facilities. Additionally, restrictions like tachograph requirements for driving beyond 62 miles and inadequate public charging spaces for commercial vans need urgent attention.

“The double-cab pick-up segment continues to decline and next month will see its reclassification under the car category for Benefit-in-Kind taxation purposes.”