UK demand for new vans grows in every month of 2023 – according to SMMT 

Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) on 5 January, show that registrations of new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) grew by 21.0% to 341,455 vehicles in 2023 as more businesses invested in fleet renewal every month compared with 2022. 

2023 saw the highest demand for new vans since the sector’s post-pandemic bounce-back in 2021 with the 2023 market just -6.6% below 2019 levels. Registration figures were particularly strong in December 2023, with demand up over a third at 36.1% (29,701 vehicles) compared with last year and the best total for December since 2015. 

Large vans (weighing more than 2.5 tonnes to 3.5 tonnes) continued to be popular, rising 9.4% to 228,442 vehicles and representing 66.9% of all new vans as operators opted for payload efficiencies. Medium-sized vans (weighing 2.0 tonnes – 2.5 tonnes) saw the largest growth in volume with an increase of 78.4% to 57,992 vehicles. 

20,253 battery electric vans (BEVs) were registered for UK roads, which is a record 21% increased uptake that represents 5.9% of the market. Like conventional vehicles, demand for BEVs was strong in the final month of 2023 with uptake increasing 73.8% to 2,964 vehicles and representing 10% of registrations – the second highest ever monthly BEV share. Since 2019, 58,226 BEVs have joined UK roads, making the UK the third largest BEV market in Europe by volume, but behind several other European nations by market share, including Germany, France and Spain. 

With the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate becoming law on 3 January 2024, Logistics UK and the SMMT agree there must be a significant uplift in van accessible public charging infrastructure and an acceleration of the roll out across the UK. 

Published On: 18/01/2024 14:00:00

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