The UK new LCV market saw 21% annual growth in 2023, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Year-on-year sales increases were seen in all 12 months of the year, with a total of 341,455 LCVs registered.

The picture was further boosted by a particularly strong month in December, which saw a 36.1% increase in registrations, with more vans registered than in any December since 2015.

For the year overall, the market-leading 2.5-3.5t van segment saw a 9.4% increase in registrations, to 228,442.

The 2.0-2.5t van segment saw a major increase, up by 78.4% to 57,992 registrations, however the segment for vans weighting less than 2.0t was the only one to see a decline, down by 23.7% to 5,955.

Pick-up truck registrations were up by 38.7% year-on-year, with 41,003 sold, while 4x4s were up by 127.7%, to 8,063.

In terms of fuel mix, there was a 21% increase in electric van registrations, although a 5.9% overall market share was static compared with 2022. Electric van registrations did however see a major uptick in December, up by 73.8%, taking a 10% market share in that month.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Rising demand for new vans in every month of 2023 – along with record uptake of battery electric vans – is positive news for the UK, given the vital role of these vehicles in keeping businesses and the economy moving. 

“Demand for new vans is also essential for decarbonisation and, as the UK’s ambitious mandate for electric van sales comes into effect, every lever must be pulled to make the switch accessible for fleets in every region. 

“If 2024 is to be the year of the electric van, investment in chargepoint infrastructure is mission-critical – bringing with it the successful green transition and economic growth the nation needs.”

The Ford Transit Custom finished 2023 as the UK’s best-selling LCV, with 40,865 registrations, ahead of the Ford Transit with 28,280, and the Vauxhall Vivaro with 20,477.

Completing the top ten were the Ford Ranger (18,679 registrations), Volkswagen Transporter (17,487), Renault Trafic (16,041), Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (15,799), Citroen Berlingo (14,065), Toyota Hilux (10,888), and Ford Transit Connect (10,856).