The van market has had seven consecutive months of decline, marking the worst start to a year since 2022.
New LCV registrations in the UK have fallen by 12.1% in the first half of 2025, with only 156,048 units registered, according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
June alone saw a 14.8% drop, extending the market's decline to a seventh consecutive month.
The downturn, attributed by the SMMT to a challenging economic environment and wavering business confidence, marks the weakest opening half-year performance for the sector since 2022.
Demand for large vans, between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes, saw a significant fall of 14.8%, with just under 100,000 units registered.
Medium vans, between 2 and 2.5 tonnes, have had an even steeper decline, down 20.9%.
The only segment showing growth was small vans, which have enjoyed a 30.7% increase, but their lower volume was insufficient to offset the overall market contraction.
Pick-up truck registrations saw a 10% rise in the first half of the year, but following the new tax rules for pick-up trucks in April there have been two consecutive months of decline. The changes, which now classify double-cab pickups as cars for benefit-in-kind and capital allowance purposes, have added significant costs for businesses and harmed sales.
Electric vans are a surprise bright spot in otherwise gloomy sales figures. Battery Electric Vans (BEVs) surged by 52.8% in the first half of 2025, with 13,512 units registered.
These numbers were boosted by a massive 97% jump in June deliveries thanks to almost 40 different BEV models now being available in the market.
BEVs, however, still account for just 8.6% of the total LCV market year-to-date. Significantly short of the government's mandated 16% share for 2025 under the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. The Plug-in Van Grant continues to be a vital incentive for the industry, however, the SMMT points the lack of adequate charging infrastructure as being a critical barrier to wider BEV adoption.
The Ford Transit Custom continues to lead registrations both in June and overall with 4,555 units, almost double that of the second-placed Ford Transit (2,878). This trend is even more pronounced in the year-to-date figures, where the Transit Custom boasts a significant lead with 24,826 registrations, followed by the Ford Transit at 13,886.
Beyond Ford's stronghold, the market shows a mix of manufacturers. Renault Trafic and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter consistently appear in the top five for both monthly and year-to-date sales while the Ford Ranger pickup continues to hold on despite recent tax changes.
Volkswagen models Transporter and Crafter as well as Peugeot and Citroën vans, the Expert, Partner and Berlingo complete the top 10.
