The freefall in registrations of pick-ups continued in May, down -57.7% to 1,138 registrations.
It was the eight consecutive month of decline for pick-ups which now represent just 4.8% of the total market versus 11.8% a year ago.
The decline reflects the crushing impact of fiscal changes introduced for double-cabs last April, which classify them as cars for Benefit in Kind purposes.
The SMMT said this had “significant cost implications” for business sectors such as farming and construction.
IT continues to lobby government to reverse this measure to encourage investment into lower emission and zero emission models, supporting decarbonisation while still benefiting Treasury revenue.
Overall, the new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market rose 3.6% in May with 23,620 registered
The performance marks a second successive month of growth for the first time since 2024.1
Demand for battery electric vans (BEVs) grew strongly, up 35.5% with 2,345 registrations in May as market share reached 9.8%.
In the year to date, BEVs represent 9.5% of all new van registrations below the government mandated 24% target.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Two months of LCV market growth is good news, but the overall outlook remains challenging.
Battery electric van uptake is rising, but not fast enough to match regulatory ambition, while the collapse in pickup demand shows how quickly tax policy can hit key sectors.
“If the transition is to succeed, regulation, infrastructure and incentives must be aligned with the realities of the market.”
