Light commercial vehicle sales in the UK fell -3.4% in March, with 49,505 vans, pickups and 4x4s joining the road, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The weakest new number plate March since 2023, driven by a sharp fall in new pickup registrations, down -54.0% to just 3,732 units.
March also saw a -15.9% decline in battery electric van (BEV) sales which the SMMT said was a concern.
BEV demand has risen by 4.3% across the first quarter of 2026, representing 9% of the overall market, a third of the 24% share mandated for the year.
Diesel continues to dominate, accounting for more than eight in 10 (85.6%) new LCVs registrations.
Mike Hawes, SMMT CEO, said the performance in March was “deeply concerning” given this number plate change month often sets the tone for the year.
“Moreover, with fleet renewal now having contracted in 14 of the past 16 months, it reflects poorly on overall business confidence.
“A thriving market is essential not just to economic growth but to decarbonisation, and it is increasingly alarming to see BEV demand waning when it must accelerate to reach ever-tougher mandated levels.
“With the transition already falling behind schedule, a holistic review of the transition is urgently needed.”
