UK new LCV registrations fell year-on-year for the fourth month in a row in March, despite a record number of electric LCVs being shifted.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), a total of 51,221 registrations represented a 3.2% decline, compared with what the organisation said was a particularly strong March 2024.
The market-leading 2.5-3.5t van segment saw registrations fall by 10%, to 32,025, while 2.0-2.5t vans were down by 8.5% to 8,180.
Vans weighing less than 2.0t were up by 60.8%, with 1,585 registered, while pick-up registrations were up by 40.6%, to 8,107, which the SMMT attributed to businesses getting ahead of tax changes for double-cab models.
4×4 registrations were down by 18.9%, to 1,324.
Electric LCV registrations were up by 40.3% to 4,215 – a new monthly high. However, the SMMT pointed out that their 8.2% market share was still only just over half that required by the UK Government’s ZEV mandate.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Vans, pick-ups and 4x4s are critical for business operations across the UK so four months of falling investment is concerning and reflects weak confidence, with further constraints set to impact the pick-up segment.
“It is positive, however, that electric uptake continues to rise thanks to growing model choice. Even so, with demand still well below 2025 ambitions, suitably bold plans for infrastructure rollout and workable regulation are needed to grow operator confidence and the investment that is needed.”
The Ford Transit Custom topped the LCV registrations chart in March with 9,257 units, ahead of the Ford Ranger with 4,301, and the Ford Transit with 4,040.
Completing the top ten were the Vauxhall Vivaro (2,028 registrations), Renault Trafic (2,013), Citroen Berlingo (1,671), Volkswagen Crafter (1,649), Peugeot Partner (1,617), Peugeot Expert (1,523), and Toyota Hilux (1,385).
