The UK new LCV market grew year-on-year for the sixth month in a row in June, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The organisation said there had been 31% growth, with 34,630 registrations during the month.
The SMMT said overall growth of 17.7% for the first half of 2023 had taken the market to its strongest half-year performance since 2019.
In June, the market-leading 2.5-3.5t van segment saw 15.6% year-on-year growth, with 23,640 registrations, while the 2.0-2.5t van segment shot up by 160.8%, with 6,291 vehicles registered. However, vans weighing less than 2.0t were down by 42.8% to 508.
Pick-up truck registrations were up by 40.8% to 3,390, while 4×4 registrations rose by 180.1% to 801.
However, there was a disappointing performance from electric LCVs, which were down by 11.9% to take 5.1% of the overall market, which SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said showed urgent action was needed to boost demand.
He said: “As we reach the year’s midway mark, the surge in light commercial vehicle registrations is good news and delivers continued optimism to the market. The fall in electric van uptake just at the time when we need it to grow is, however, very concerning.
“Despite the continued availability of the plug-in van grant, more needs to be done to give operators the confidence to make the switch.
“This means a long-term plan which supports purchase and helps overcome some of the barriers to the installation of van-suitable charging infrastructure, given the unique needs of this sector.”
The Ford Transit Custom topped the LCV sales chart in June with 4,737 registrations, ahead of the Ford Transit with 3,404, and the Vauxhall Vivaro with 1,921.
Completing the top ten were the Renault Trafic (1,789 registrations), Ford Ranger (1,784), Citroen Berlingo (1,595), Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (1,486), Peugeot Partner (1,420), Volkswagen Transporter (1,325), and Vauxhall Combo (1,175).
