The UK van market closed out 2024 on a high, posting its strongest overall performance in three years. With 351,834 new light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations, the market grew by 3.0%, driven by strong December sales of 27,221 units.

Growth across segments

Demand increased across nearly every van category. The largest vans — those between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes, like the ever-popular Ford Transit Custom — maintained their dominance, rising by 2.1% to represent 66.3% of the total market. Medium-sized vans also performed well, with registrations up 12.3% to 65,148 units. Small vans saw a remarkable surge, growing by 44.5% to 8,606 units.

However, not every segment experienced a boost. Registrations of new 4x4s fell by 9.7% to 7,282 units, while pickups faced an even steeper decline, dropping 8.3% to 37,582 units. This downward trend is expected to continue into 2025, partly due to the government’s decision to tax double-cab pickups as cars for benefit-in-kind and capital allowance purposes. This policy shift will place an additional financial burden on businesses and tradespeople who rely on these vehicles.

Electric vans: A mixed picture

Battery electric van (BEV) sales grew slightly, rising by 3.3% to 22,155 units. However, their share of the overall market held steady at 6.3%, indicating a lack of significant momentum in the first year of the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. Despite the availability of 33 zero-emission van models — accounting for over half of all new LCV options — fleet operators remain cautious.

Industry leaders, including the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), have called for a review of the ZEV mandate to ensure it aligns with market realities.

“Vans, 4x4s and pick-ups keep businesses everywhere on the move, making this sector a barometer of the UK economy,” explained SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes. “The best overall volume in three years, therefore, is good news with van makers striving to deliver abundant and competitive EV choice. Buyer confidence, however, will inevitably be undermined when charging infrastructure does not meet the needs of fleet operations. A review of EV regulation is crucial, therefore, to reflect current market realities and ensure ambitions are deliverable, without any negative and costly consequences.”

Stellantis leads the electric charge

Stellantis retained its position as the UK’s top electric van manufacturer in 2024, selling 7,821 BEVs — more than the second and third-placed manufacturers combined. This impressive performance gave the group, represented by Citroen, Fiat, Peugeot, and Vauxhall, a 35.6% share of the electric van market.

Peugeot was a standout within the Stellantis portfolio, nearly doubling its eLCV market share to 18.69%. The E-Partner was the best-selling compact electric van, while the E-Expert secured second place in the medium electric van segment. In total, Peugeot sold 4,105 electric vans in 2024, marking a significant contribution to the group’s overall success.

The company’s partnership with the Royal Mail played a key role, with 2,100 electric vans delivered as part of a long-term supply agreement.

Stellantis electric models performed well in 2024 van market

Traditional leaders and best-sellers

Despite the industry’s desire to move the market to electric vans, conventionally-fuelled models continued to dominate the sales charts. The Ford Transit Custom maintained its reign as the UK’s best-selling van, with 46,967 units registered in 2024. The full-size Ford Transit followed with 31,332 units, while the Ford Ranger pickup recorded its best year yet with 19,695 registrations, securing its place as the UK’s third-best-selling LCV.

Other popular models included the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (18,753 units) and the Vauxhall Vivaro (18,581 units). Volkswagen’s Transporter and Renault’s Trafic also had strong performances, with 15,425 and 14,857 registrations, respectively. The Stellantis trio of the Peugeot Expert, Vauxhall Combo, and Citroën Berlingo rounded out the top 10, separated by fewer than 600 units.

Future challenges and opportunities

Looking ahead, the LCV market faces several challenges. The government’s approach to pickup taxation is likely to dampen demand further, potentially prompting tradespeople to hold onto older, more polluting vehicles. Meanwhile, the steep trajectory of the ZEV mandate will require a substantial uptick in BEV adoption to hit targets.

Still, the market’s resilience and the continued expansion of electric options indicate a sector that’s adapting, albeit slowly. Stellantis’ success in meeting the ZEV mandate targets without purchasing credits demonstrates what’s possible when investment and strategy align. However, as Stellantis Managing Director Eurig Druce pointed out, achieving long-term targets will require more support from policymakers to encourage consumer uptake.

“If the UK is to achieve its transport emission ambitions, and for EVs to represent 80% of new cars sold in 2030, then consumers are going to need more encouragement from Government to do so,” says Druce.

Phil Huff
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