“February delivered modest growth for the LCV market, with registrations increasing slightly compared with last year. It was encouraging to see the strongest growth coming from the core van segments between 2.0–2.5 tonnes and 2.5–3.5 tonnes, which represent the backbone of the market and are widely used by fleets and businesses across the UK.” said Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers in the UK commenting on the latest SMMT’s new van registration figures. In February, Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) dealers registered a total of 14,641 new vans, pickups and 4×4s, representing a 1.1% increase compared with February 2025. Registrations by segment showed a varied performance across the market. Pick-ups continued to decline sharply, falling to 813 units from 1,804 last year (-54.9%). Small vans up to 2.0 tonnes also decreased to 363 units (-15.0%). In contrast, vans in the 2.0–2.5 tonne category increased to 2,477 units (16.9%), while larger vans between 2.5–3.5 tonnes rose to 10,719 units (7.6%). Registrations of 4×4s also increased to 269 units (64.0%). Demand for battery electric vans (BEVs) continued to grow in February, with 1,747 BEVs under 3.5 tonnes registered, up 39.4% compared with last year. When combined with BEV rigids, total electric LCV registrations reached 2,009 units, representing 13.5% of the monthly market share. Diesel-powered vehicles remained the dominant powertrain, accounting for 78.7% of sub-3.5 tonne registrations. Sue Robinson added: “While electric van uptake continues to grow, the sector remains some distance from the Government’s ambitious ZEV mandate target of 24%. Although electric and hybrid LCVs are gradually increasing their share of the market, further confidence and support will be needed to accelerate adoption among van operators.”