The number of new LCVs registered in the UK increased by 3% year-on-year in 2024, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
A total of 351,834 LCVs were registered, accounting for the biggest overall market in three years.
This included a 3.3% rise in electric LCV registrations – however, the market share taken by these vehicles remained static, at 6.3%.
The biggest growth in 2024 was seen from vans weighing less than 2.0t, which saw registrations increase by 44.5%, to 8,606.
Vans weighing 2.0-2.5t saw registrations rise by 12.3%, to 65,148, while the market-leading 2.5-3.5t van segment saw registrations up by 2.1%, to 233,216.
Pick-up trucks were down by 8.3%, to 37,582 – with the SMMT noting this could fall further when tax changes announced in the Budget are introduced – while 4x4s were down by 9.7% to 7,282.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Vans, 4x4s and pick-ups keep businesses everywhere on the move, making this sector a barometer of the UK economy. The best overall volume in three years, therefore, is good news with van makers striving to deliver abundant and competitive EV choice.
“Buyer confidence, however, will inevitably be undermined when charging infrastructure does not meet the needs of fleet operations.
“A review of EV regulation is crucial, therefore, to reflect current market realities and ensure ambitions are deliverable, without any negative and costly consequences.”
The SMMT has also published monthly figures for December, which show an overall market decline of 8.3% year-on-year.
This came despite a 13.6% increase in registrations for vans weighing less than 2.0t, with 2.0-2.5t vans down by 4.1%, 2.5-3.5t vans down by 2.2%, pick-ups down by 28.1%, and 4x4s down by 54.4%.