The UK’s LCV market grew by 31.0% in June, with 34,630 models registered, one of the best efficiency since 2019, as provide chain shortages eased and bigger vans dominated gross sales.

In line with the most recent figures launched by the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants (SMMT), the UK’s new gentle industrial automobile (LCV) market has skilled its sixth consecutive month of progress, with registrations growing by 31.0% to succeed in 34,630 models in June.

This represents the strongest June efficiency since 2019.

Within the first half of 2023, a complete of 169,926 new vans, pickups, and 4x4s have been registered, marking a 17.7% enhance in comparison with the identical interval final 12 months. These constructive traits may be attributed to the easing of persistent provide chain shortages, the commerce affiliation says.

The registrations of bigger LCVs, weighing between 2.5 and three.5 tonnes, grew by 15.6% to succeed in 23,640 models in June, accounting for 68.3% of the market. Medium-sized vans weighing between 2.0 and a couple of.5 tonnes additionally noticed a major enhance of 160.8% with 6,291 models registered.

Nonetheless, the section of lighter vans weighing lower than or equal to 2.0 tonnes skilled a decline of -42.8%. This specific section has constantly witnessed a lower in demand as operators go for bigger automobiles that provide better price efficiencies. Then again, pickups and 4x4s had substantial progress, with registrations growing by 40.8% and 180.1% respectively.

Regardless of the general progress within the LCV market, there was a -11.9% decline in demand for battery electrical vans (BEVs) in June, reaching only one,775 models, which the SMMT described as “regarding” given the growing availability of BEV fashions.

This brings the entire variety of electrical vans registered this 12 months to eight,803 models, representing a year-on-year enhance of 703 however a decline in market share to five.2% for the 12 months up to now.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief government, mentioned that is worrisome contemplating the upcoming zero emission automobile mandate, which will likely be carried out in simply six months’ time. Pressing motion is required to speed up the adoption of electrical vans, particularly since industrial automobiles play a significant function in conserving Britain shifting.

Hawes mentioned: “As we attain the 12 months’s halfway mark, the surge in gentle industrial automobile registrations is nice information and delivers continued optimism to the market. The autumn in electrical van uptake simply on the time after we want it to develop is, nonetheless, very regarding.

“Regardless of the continued availability of the plug-in van grant, extra must be finished to offer operators the arrogance to make the swap. This implies a long-term plan which helps buy and helps overcome among the obstacles to the set up of van-suitable charging infrastructure, given the distinctive wants of this sector.”

Sue Robinson, chief government of the Nationwide Franchised Sellers Affiliation, added: “The worth parity between battery electrical vans and diesel engines is way too broad, much like the brand new automotive sector, which is negatively affecting the uptake of electrical within the run as much as 2030. This, coupled with a patchy and lacklustre charging community throughout the UK, is diverting van operators away from making their swap to electrical”

“Authorities should act on the entrance foot by making extra strategic selections and imposing monetary incentives to assist the uptake of electrical on this market.

“Because the trade’s solely commerce physique for automotive retailers, we’ll proceed to foyer Authorities to find out the very best final result for our retailer members, guarantee their voice is heard and promote inexperienced, clear transport for commercials.”