The UK's new light commercial vehicle (LCV) market declined in (plate change month) September, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) which showed 57,368 new LCVs were driven off forecourts, a 4.2% fall compared with the same month last year.

Demand for pickups and heavier vans was broadly stable, both experiencing rises of 0.4% and 0.1% respectively. Elsewhere, demand for smaller vans fell, with those weighing 2.0-2.5T down 10.7%. The market for vans under 2.0 tonnes also waned, down 25.5%. Year to date, figures show a 3.1% fall overall, with demand for popular heavier vans and those weighing less than 2.0 tonnes playing their part, declining 3.2% and 20.2% respectively.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "Business confidence has taken a hit recently as economic and political uncertainty continues, so fluctuations in purchasing patterns are to be expected. We must remember that the van market remains at a historically high level but growth will depend on better economic conditions and business confidence, something government must prioritise."

Just Auto Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Auto Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Continental has secured the Window Displays Innovation Award in the 2025 Just Auto Excellence Awards for its Window Projection solution, transforming side windows into dynamic, data-rich canvases. Discover how this compact projection technology and intelligent software are reshaping in-car UX and opening fresh revenue streams for OEMs and mobility providers.

Discover the Impact