Sales of pick-ups continued to freefall in July, declining for a 10th consecutive month, down -53.2% to 888 units and accounting for just 3.1% of the market.
Demand has been skewered by the reclassification of double cab pick-ups under Budget Benefit in Kind and capital allowance rules that came into effect from April last year.
Overall, UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations rose 22.0% in July to 28,578 units, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
July marked the market’s fourth consecutive month of growth, as year to date registrations reached 187,226 units, up 4.3% on the first seven months of 2025.
Large and medium-sized vans both recorded strong growth, up 29.9% to 20,842 units and 20.7% to 4,993 units respectively. Demand for 4x4s also rose, by 66.1% to 1,030 registrations, while the small van segment grew 11.8% to 825.
Battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations rose 74.1% in the month – the best since August 2025 – to take a record market share of 14.7%. Year to date, market share has for the first time reached double digits, at 10.6%, although this is still less than half the level needed to achieve this year’s mandated target of 24%.2
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Continued van market growth shows operator resilience and sustained sector investment, while record battery electric van uptake is encouraging, proving businesses will switch if business conditions are right.”
