The UK van and pickup market expanded for the eighth consecutive month, ending August 5% higher than the same month last year, with 16,303 new vehicles registered.

According to the latest Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) figures, battery electric van registrations increased by 18.9% to 1,122 units, capturing a 6.9% market share. This year has seen the registration of 11,414 zero-emission electric vans, a surge of 16.4% compared to the same period in 2022, illustrating the increasing number of businesses acknowledging their cost-effectiveness and zero emissions.

The Vauxhall Vivaro Electric leads the eLCV market so far this year, with sales reaching 3,211 units by the end of August. Its dual success as both a private and fleet vehicle means that nearly one in three (31.83%) eLCVs sold in the UK this year is a Vauxhall.

Van sales of Vauxhall Vivaro Electric surge for eighth month

Medium-sized vans — those weighing between 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes — boosted growth in August, showing a 72.1% increase to 2,718 units. Pickups also saw heightened demand, rising 22.3% to 1,437 units. Pickup registrations for the year have reached 22,205 vehicles, marking a 24.8% growth from last year’s numbers during the same timeframe.

However, registrations of the largest LCVs, weighing between 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes, declined by 5.1% to 11,549 units, although they accounted for a significant 70.8% of all new van deliveries. There was also a dip in registrations for vans weighing up to 2.0 tonnes, decreasing by 30.4% to 343 units.

For the year to date, Ford has maintained its position as the market leader, registering 65,773 new vans and pickups. The Transit Custom and Transit remain the market’s top sellers, followed by the Vauxhall Vivaro. Ford’s Ranger pickup occupies the fourth spot, with the Transit Connect ranking ninth.

“Another month of growth for new van sales is good news and a sign that the market is well on the way to recovery,” commented Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. “That more operators are choosing electric models is also positive, given the massive investments made by van makers into these vehicles, including at plants in the UK. Diesel models, however, still make up more than nine in ten registrations, proof of how far the market must move if it is to decarbonise. With an end of sale dates and a ZEV mandate looming, we must pull every lever to deliver the transition.”

Phil Huff
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