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UK New Van Registrations Decline In July 2024 Despite Strong Annual Outlook
The UK’s light commercial vehicle (LCV) market experienced a decline of 8.5% in July, with 24,689 new vans, 4x4s, pickups, and taxis registered. This drop follows a strong performance in July 2023, which marked the best month in three years. Despite this dip, the market remains up by 2.7% year-to-date.
Electric van registrations fell by 14.6% in July to 1,415 units. Since January, electric vans have made up 5.1% of all new LCV registrations. This includes vans weighing up to and equal to 3.5 tonnes (4.8%) and those above 3.5 to 4.25 tonnes (0.3%). The overall uptake of zero-emission vehicles has decreased by 7% this year.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, stated, "Britain’s new van market remains robust following a record-equalling growth run and, despite a dip in June and July, demand will resume with manufacturers offering impressive product line-ups. Declining uptake of the very greenest models remains a major concern, however, given the UK’s zero emission ambitions."
The largest vans saw a decrease of 12%, registering 16,814 units but still making up over two-thirds (68.1%) of the total market. Medium-sized vans also faced an 8.4% decline in registrations. Pickups and 4x4s experienced drops of 5.1% and 2.1%, respectively.
Conversely, smaller vans saw a significant rise in demand in July with registrations more than doubling (117.6%) to reach 929 units. This surge is part of a broader trend for small vans throughout the year, supported by new model launches that have driven demand up by 42% year-to-date.
Industry Investment and Future Outlook
Manufacturers have introduced more battery electric vehicle (BEV) models to the market, increasing from 25 last year to 28 now available for UK buyers. These models offer competitive payloads and ranges suitable for various needs.
The latest forecast for the year anticipates a robust market with an expected total of 351,000 units registered in 2024—a rise of 2.8% compared to last year. However, the projected share of BEV registrations under 3.5 tonnes has been revised downwards to 6.6%.
Infrastructure Needs
Despite significant industry investment leading to more BEVs on the road than ever before, uptake must accelerate further with support from all stakeholders. Mandated targets for van-suitable charging infrastructure are urgently needed alongside maintaining fiscal incentives like the Plug-in Van Grant beyond April 2025.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) represents one of the largest trade associations within the UK automotive industry—a sector contributing £93 billion turnover and £22 billion value added annually to the economy while investing around £4 billion each year in research and development.
The automotive industry employs approximately 198,000 people directly in manufacturing roles and around another 813,000 across related sectors such as advertising, chemicals, finance, logistics and steel—many jobs located outside London with wages about 13% higher than average UK salaries.
This sector accounts for about 12% of total UK exports of goods with over 140 countries importing vehicles produced in Britain—generating £115 billion through automotive imports and exports combined.
The UK produces nearly every type of vehicle including cars; vans; taxis; trucks; buses; coaches; specialist off-highway vehicles—all supported by over two thousand five hundred component providers along with some world-class engineers contributing towards vibrant aftermarket remanufacturing industries too.
For more detailed information on UK Automotive statistics or reports visit SMMT's official website at www.smmt.co.uk/reports/smmt-motor-industry-facts/
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