APRIL CONTINUES FIVE MONTH DECLINE FOR LCV MARKET, WHILST EV MARKET SEES FURTHER GROWTH

“April’s figures have seen a fifth consecutive month of contraction for the new light commercial vehicle market. Recent tax changes in the new fiscal year have had an impact on the market amidst a challenging economic environment” 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 April, Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) dealers registered a total of 20,332 new vans reflecting a -14.9% year-on-year decline. This marks the fifth consecutive month of decline in the market.

For 2025, year-to-date figures reveal 105,079 new LCVs, up to 3.5 tonnes, are on the road this year, a decline of -11.5%.

Registrations were down across most van weight categories. Small vans (under 2.0t) saw a decrease of -5.5%, with 571 units registered. Medium vans (between 2.0–2.5t) dropped by -5.8%, with 4,344 units registered, and the larger vans (between 2.5–3.5t) also saw a decline of -22.9%, registering 12,113 units. The pick-up segment experienced an increase, rising by 10.2% to 2,740 units amid new tax regulations brought about by ‘Benefit-in-Kind’ changes from April 2025.

Electric van sales growth is a positive, with BEVs up to 4.25t rising by 77.5% to 1,686 units in April, continuing seven consecutive months of growth. This brings the total market share for EV vans to 8.3% year-to-date, a little more than half the 16% market share stipulated by the ZEV Mandate.

Sue Robinson added: “A key takeaway should be the growth of electric van sales in spite of April’s tax changes which could have discouraged confidence in the transition to electric vehicles.

"NFDA welcomed the Government's recent decision to extend petrol and diesel van and light commercial sales allowances until 2035 - an outcome the NFDA strongly advocated for in its response to the Zero Emission Vans consultation.

 "It is important to note that pickups saw an increase for the second consecutive month, as consumers looked to purchase ahead of Benefit-in-Kind changes that now see double-cab pickups taxed as cars."