New van registrations crashed by more than a fifth in November, down -22.2% with 23,570 vans, pickups and 4x4s joining the road.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which published the figures, attributed the fall lower fleet sales, weak business confidence and a tough economic environment.
Th fall was across the board. November saw demand fall in every LCV segment, with large vans down -19.7% to 16,463 units – albeit still representing the majority (69.8%) of the overall market. Medium-sized vans fell by -20.5% to 3,976 units, while registrations of new 4x4s and small-sized vans also shrank, by -10.3% and -53.8% to 705 and 462 units respectively.
New pick-up deliveries recorded a steep decline for the second month in a row, down by -34.8% to 1,964 units, following fiscal changes to treat double cabs as cars for benefit in kind and capital allowance purposes.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Lacklustre light commercial vehicle uptake highlights weak economic confidence, and slower fleet renewal means slower decarbonisation.
“While it is encouraging that zero emission van uptake is rising, the pace of change severely lags government ambition, and every lever must be pulled to support demand and protect industry investment – both of which are essential to our shared net zero goals.”
