Registrations of new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in the UK fell by 22.2% in November 2025, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The industry recorded a contraction exceeding one fifth compared to the same period last year.

A total of 23,570 new vans, pickups and 4×4 vehicles were registered last month.

Over the first 11 months of 2025, LCV registrations dropped by -11.4% compared with the same period in 2024, a trend attributed to subdued business sentiment and wider economic conditions affecting fleet renewal decisions.

The market’s major segment, large vans, saw registrations decline by -19.7% to 16,463 units in November, accounting for 69.8% of overall LCV sales.

Medium-sized vans also experienced a decrease, falling by -20.5% to 3,976 units.  

Registrations for new 4×4 vehicles and small vans declined as well, by -10.3% and -53.8% respectively, reaching 705 and 462 units.

Pickup trucks recorded their second consecutive monthly drop, down -34.8% to 1,964 units.

Battery-electric van (BEV) registrations increased by 25.3% to 2,909 units in November, representing a market share of 12.3%.

Over the course of this year, BEV registration numbers rose by 44.7%, bringing the total to 27,159 units since January.

However, BEVs account for only 9.4% of total LCV registrations so far this year, lower than the government-mandated target requiring a minimum market share of 16% for BEVs this year.

SMMT noted supportive developments such as an extension to the Plug-in Van Grant, a new Depot Charging Scheme and proposals for planning reform around private charge point installations.

Earlier SMMT figures also showed that registrations of new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in the UK reduced by 14.5% year-on-year during the third quarter of 2025, with a total of 9,272 new HGVs entering service.