LCV Market Growth Accelerates in June as Van Demand Strengthens

New light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations increased by 12.2% year-on-year in June, helping to lift year-to-date registrations by 1.7% over the first six months of the year.

Sue Robinson of National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) said: ‘June saw the LCV market build on the positive momentum seen in recent months. The latest figures provide a positive indication of continued demand across key areas of the commercial vehicle market despite ongoing economic pressures.’

Performance across segments remained mixed:

• Vans weighing up to 2.0 tonnes declined by 19.3% to 793 units
• Vans weighing 2.0–2.5 tonnes increased by 62.1% to 6,795 units
• Vans weighing 2.5–3.5 tonnes increased by 12.6% to 21,951 units
• Pick-ups declined by 57.6% to 1,167 units
• 4x4s increased by 20.8% to 896 units
• Rigids (3.5–6.0 tonnes) increased by 64.7% to 1,738 units

Growth in the van market was driven by strong performances in both the 2.0 - 2.5 tonne and 2.5 - 3.5 tonne segments, with 2.0 - 2.5 tonne recording the largest percentage increase.

Year-to-date figures continue to highlight contrasting trends across the market. Overall LCV registrations are now 1.7% ahead of the same period last year, while double-cab pick-up volumes remain significantly below previous levels following recent taxation changes. The transition towards electrified commercial vehicles also continued. EVs accounted for 9.9% of total LCV registrations year-to-date, although this remains below the current Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate target of 24%.

Ford's Transit range continues to dominate the market with 34,616 registrations year-to-date, while the new Volkswagen Transporter has made a strong start, recording 8,764 registrations.

Sue added: ‘June was a strong month for the LCV market, with growth across key van segments supporting overall registrations. It is also encouraging to see continued growth in electric van uptake, although market share remains below the level required to meet this year's ZEV Mandate target. While some parts of the market continue to face challenges, overall demand remains positive.’

NFDA continues to highlight that economic conditions, infrastructure development and the pace of electric vehicle adoption are influencing purchasing decisions across the commercial vehicle market.