UK new light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations fell 9.6% year on year in November, the third consecutive monthly decline, according to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) data.
Market uncertainty and regulatory changes continued to affect performance, with some 2,797 fewer models registered in the month as all van categories and 4x4s experienced double digit declines.
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In November, registrations of small vans weighing less than 2.0 tonnes and medium vans weighing 2.0-2.5 tonnes fell by 24% and 19.4% respectively.
Demand for larger vans weighing 2.5-3.5 tonnes also declined, down 11.4%, and the 4×4 segment fell too, down 12.4%, while pickups were the only category to see growth, up 17.2%.
Performance in the year to date was still up, however, rising 1.9%, with an extra 6,451 new LCVs joining UK roads.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "A third consecutive month of decline for new van registrations is concerning, particularly after growth for much of the year."
The SMMT believes political uncertainty as the UK headed for a general election on 12 December was one reason for the decline.
