LCV MARKET DECLINES FOR SIXTH CONSECUTIVE MONTH, AS BEV GROWTH CONTINUES “May’s figures mark another month of lower-than-expected light commercial vehicle registrations, reflecting continued pressure on the market” 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 May, Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) dealers registered a total of 22,796 new vans and light commercials, a decrease of -11.8%.Demand shrank for new vans of all sizes, with 2.5-3.5t sized vans dropping to 14,652 units from 17,042 units YoY, a -14.0% decrease. Medium sized vans (2.0-2.5t) also saw a drop to 4,065 units from 4,477 units, a -9.2% decrease. The 4×4 segment saw growth, up 36.9% to 716 units. Demand for battery electric vans (BEVs) continues to grow, up 50% to 1,731 units in May, the seventh consecutive month of rising demand. Year-to-date, BEV registrations stand at 10,509 units, representing 8.2% of the total market, substantially below the 16% target stipulated by the Zero-Emissions Vehicle Mandate for this year. Sue Robinson added: “The slowdown across traditional van segments is concerning, particularly in the 2.5–3.5t category, which continues to represent the largest share of the UK’s LCV market. “The recent Benefit-in-Kind tax changes have also had an immediate impact on the pick-up segment, which saw a 12.7% fall in registrations. “On a positive note, electric van registrations continue to rise, with a 53.7% year-on-year increase. However, with BEVs accounting for just 8.2% of the market – well below the mandated target – this highlights ongoing concerns among buyers around the practicalities of operating electric LCVs.”