Demand for medium sized vans doubles, but large vans most popular

The new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market grew by 12.7% in November, with 27,433 vans, pickups and 4x4s joining Britain’s fleets.

The newly published data, from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), shows that November’s performance is 4.6% above pre-pandemic 2019 levels.

It also represents 11 consecutive months of rising demand, totalling 311,754 units – the largest volume for two years as product availability continues to improve.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “An eleventh month of growth in Britain’s van sector is hugely positive, especially given fleet renewal is key to decarbonisation.”

The greatest volume growth was delivered via medium-sized vans, more than doubling by 161.1% to 4,554 units, while rising registrations of 4x4s and pickups continued, up 6.5% and 14.9% respectively to 589 units and 3,783 units.

New LCV buyers continue to show preference for payload and fuel efficiencies, however, with the largest van models – those weighing greater than 2.5 tonnes to 3.5 tonnes – representing 18,070 units and 65.9% of the market, albeit 1.6% units fewer than in November last year.

Small van registrations, meanwhile, grew 10.4% to 437 units.

Battery electric van (BEV) registrations fell for the second month, as 1,631 units were registered – some 343 fewer than in November last year.

However, the broader trend is positive, says the SMMT, with BEV registrations up 15% since January.

Some 17,289 BEVs have joined UK roads in 2023, accounting for almost one in 18 new vans registered across the year.

Hawes said: “It is crucial that operator demand also translates to zero emission van uptake, driving down CO2 emissions to meet Britain’s ambitious environmental targets."

Operator confidence must be safeguarded by accelerating public charge point rollout with a national delivery plan that considers the specific needs of larger vans, says the SMMT.

Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK, said: “It has been encouraging to see further growth in the light commercial registration market but it is disappointing to see that electric vans have failed to increase as we approach the implementation of the ZEV mandate in January.

She added: “In terms of the heavier sections of LCVs, there appears to be less cause for concern as this is very much a fleet market which year to date has seen an increase of 9.4%.

“There is often not much discussion on the 3.5 – 6.0t CV market but it is positive to see a modest growth in registrations. These vehicles are usually classed as small HGVs and are subject to stringent regulations including requiring tachographs and ATF annual testing.

“Nevertheless, as we go into new year, there needs to be more incentives from the Government to increase demand for EV commercials  and encourage van operators to buy them.

"We have seen a similar decrease in BEV car registrations this month and it is clear that more Government support is necessary in the form of greater subsidies and improving EV public LCV charging facilities.”