The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) latest report shows another decline in light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations in August 2025.
August 2025 LCV Registrations by SMMT
UK demand for new LCVs declined by 13.3% in August, with 14,365 new vehicles joining UK roads, according to the latest data published by the SMMT. The contraction means volumes have declined every month this year. August is generally the smallest-volume month ahead of the ‘new plate’ September, and this month’s decline resulted in 2,210 fewer registrations than last year and 111 fewer than the other pre-plate change month of March.
Amid a challenging economic environment and weak business confidence, demand declined across all segments in August 2025. Registrations of the largest vans shrank by 11.5% to 10,398 units – albeit still accounting for 72.4% of the overall market – while deliveries of medium-sized vans declined by 14.0% to 2,383 units.
New pickup registrations saw the largest decline of 25.8%, reaching 1,040 units, mainly due to the recent fiscal changes to reclassify double-cab pickups as cars for benefit-in-kind and capital allowance purposes since April. The lower-volume small van and 4×4 segments also shrank by 17.6% and 13.9% to 352 and 192 units, respectively.
Reflecting their commitment to deliver government ambition, manufacturers continue to invest in battery electric van (BEV) models, with over 40 options now available. The market is responding positively, with more than double (109.5%) registered compared with August last year, growth that pushed volumes to 1,902 units and market share to a new monthly record of 13.0%. While the overall market year to date is down by 11.4%, new BEV uptake has risen by 59.9%, to comprise 9.1% of the overall market. However, that share remains some distance below the 16% mandated target, highlighting the need to increase market confidence.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive at SMMT, commented: “August is conventionally a low volume month for the new LCV market, so while the continued decline is disappointing, the focus is on September to deliver the fleet investment and growth that would reflect a healthy business environment. A thriving market is also essential for decarbonisation, given the vast choice of electric van models already available to suit almost every need. Manufacturers need greater volumes to ensure investment in innovation continues unabated.”
