UK's new van market surges, but large vans and trucks hit the brakes

Three Ford LCV models occupy the head of the selling charts.

Ford E-Transit Custom Limited Van Digital Aqua Blue

Photo by: Ford

Angel Sergeev

By: Angel Sergeev

Nov 7, 2024 at 4:09am ET

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The UK’s light commercial vehicle (LCV) scene is buzzing again, with fresh figures showing a 2.4 per cent uptick in October. That’s 26,974 brand-new vans, pickups, and 4x4s hitting the road, marking not only the third straight month of growth but also the best October the industry’s seen in three years, according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The Ford Transit Custom retains its crown as the best-selling LCV in the United Kingdom.

This October revival has largely been fueled by smaller rides. Demand for small and medium-sized vans has boomed, with small vans jumping by a staggering 55.9 per cent (now at 683 units) and medium vans close behind with a 49.6 per cent rise, totalling 5,688 units. Clearly, businesses and self-starters across the UK are grabbing these workhorses, especially for those tight city streets where space is at a premium.

UK’s best-selling LCV models in October 2024:

1. Ford Transit Custom - 3,400
2. Ford Transit - 2,921
3. Peugeot Partner - 1,821
4. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter - 1,553
5. Ford Ranger - 1,407
6. Vauxhall Combo - 1,287
7. Peugeot Expert - 1,175
8. Renault Trafic - 1,065
9. Vauxhall Vivaro - 895
10. Volkswagen Crafter - 839

Large vans, however, seem to be experiencing a mid-life crisis. Sales of these big rigs fell by 2.7 per cent to 17,683 units. Yet they still rule the roost, making up a hefty 65.6 per cent of the LCV market. So while they might be losing a bit of ground, they’re far from being put out to pasture.

Pickups and 4x4s, however, are seeing some serious turbulence. Pickup sales plummeted by 18.9 per cent to 2,686 units, and 4x4s took an even harder hit, with demand plunging 62 per cent to a grand total of… 234. Ouch.

UK new van sales, October 2024

Photo by: SMMT

Last year’s surge now feels like a distant memory in this segment, and there’s a cloud on the horizon for pickups in particular: the government’s new tax twist. Starting April 2025, double-cabs will be taxed as cars instead of the workhorses they are, driving up costs for businesses that rely on them – from farmers to builders to the self-employed. The industry isn’t thrilled, urging policymakers to reconsider before this change hammers essential sectors.

Reports for previous months:

Van-tastic September for Britain’s LCV market

UK van market bounces back after two-month slump

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On a brighter note, the electric van scene had a spark this October. Battery electric vans finally saw an upswing after five sluggish months, with registrations rocketing 61.8 per cent to 2,263 units. These green machines now make up 8.4 per cent of the October market – a welcome bump as the UK gears up to meet ambitious green targets. Still, electric vans have a ways to go: for the year overall, BEV uptake is actually down by 1.9 per cent from last year, covering only 5.6 per cent of the market.

UK’s best-selling LCV models year-to-date:

1. Ford Transit Custom - 38,917
2. Ford Transit - 26,438
3. Ford Ranger - 16,819
4. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter - 15,805
5. Vauxhall Vivaro - 14,156
6. Volkswagen Transporter - 13,854
7. Renault Trafic - 12,250
8. Peugeot Partner - 11,091
9. Vauxhall Combo - 10,559
10. Citroen Berlingo - 10,533

Source: SMMT

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