David Spear Commercials has released new insight on the UK light commercial vehicle (LCV) market, revealing a widening gap between the performance of the new and used van sectors.
While demand for quality used vehicles remains exceptionally strong, the latest industry data shows continued decline in new van registrations — a trend compounded by slow electric vehicle (EV) uptake and infrastructure challenges.
Despite year-on-year growth in battery electric van (BEV) market share, progress remains significantly below the Government’s mandated target for 2025. According to the company, a faster rollout of charging infrastructure is essential to encouraging more operators to switch from diesel to electric fleets.
The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) highlight a sharp slowdown in the new LCV sector:
- October registrations down 15.1%, totalling 22,896 vans, pickups, and 4x4s
- Year-to-date registrations down 10.2%, with 264,160 units registered in 2025
This ongoing downturn reflects reduced business confidence, challenging economic conditions, and a notable slowdown in planned fleet renewals. Organisations are increasingly delaying new purchases, reshaping market dynamics and placing growing pressure on the used sector to meet operational needs.
Fleet, rental, and commercial operators are now retaining vehicles for 60 months or longer, resulting in older and higher-mileage vans entering the used market. Many require refurbishment and investment before resale, increasing pressure on retailers to maintain quality standards.
With supply restrictions and slower new vehicle uptake, reliable used LCVs continue to outperform expectations. Buyers are prioritising availability, condition, and overall value — keeping the used van sector competitive and fast-moving.
Founder David Spear said:
“Over the past year, we’ve focused on quality used LCVs and maintaining a steady supply of new vehicles, strengthening our market position.
“Our strategy was recently recognised with Van Retailer of the Year at the 2025 AutoTrader Awards. The SMMT data highlights the challenges the market faces, but we remain confident in our ability to capitalise on these shifts while continuing to deliver sustainable growth.
“At David Spear Commercials, we combine market insight, strategic foresight, and a customer-first approach to help businesses navigate an evolving commercial vehicle landscape.”
