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Registrations for new light commercial vehicles rose by 21.0% in 2023, with 341,455 new vehicles taking to the roads.
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal a very successful picture of 2023. The industry has been steadily recovering since the Covid pandemic put a strain on production, with 2023 being the most successful year yet. The market is now just -6.6% below 2019 levels.
An additional 59,316 LCVs joined the roads than in 2022, following an extra £2 billion spend by companies that carry out essential roles in the economy, from local trades to retailers and online delivery services.
The upward trend continued throughout the year, finishing with a particularly strong December. Demand was up 36.1% for that month, the best total for December since 2015.
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Demand for the largest vans (weighing more than 2.5 to 3.5 tonnes) continued, rising 9.4% to 228,442 registrations. This figure makes up 66.9% of the total number of all new vans as operators opted for payload efficiencies.
The largest growth in volume was for medium-sized vans (weighing above two tonnes to 2.5 tonnes), surging by 78.4% to 57,992 units, with such vehicles still able to carry heavy loads while at the same time delivering the smaller vehicle size requirements of urban operators. |
A highlight of the figures is a record number of zero emissions vans being registered. Uptake of new battery electric vans (BEVs) hit record numbers in the year as volumes grew by 21.0% ot 20,253 units. Since 2019, 58,226 BEVs have joined the UK roads, helping make the UK the third largest BEV market in Europe by volume.
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Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Rising demand for new vans in every month of 2023 – along with record uptake of battery electric vans – is positive news for the UK, given the vital role of these vehicles in keeping businesses and the economy moving.” |
