SMMT Transport News Brief: Industry Alone Cannot Drive Change on All Fronts

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This week, SMMT released September’s new light commercial vehicle (LCV) registration data: 47,418 vans, pickups and 4x4s hit UK roads, down 2.1% year-on-year but the best September in four years and above pre-pandemic levels. The 2.5-3.5-tonne segment led, up 3.2% to 32,670 units (68.9% of total registrations).

A key highlight: September saw record battery electric van (BEV) uptake—4,262 zero-emission units registered, up 41.1% year-on-year (8.9% market share). Year-to-date BEV volumes reach 22,118 (up 55.9% vs 2024, 9.1% of total). Manufacturers fuel growth with over 40 electric van options, plus the Plug-in Van Grant extension and Depot Charging Scheme support switches. Yet mandated zero-emission fleet renewal needs reliable, affordable charging access.

Decarbonisation is an OEM priority, alongside safety/security. This week, I (Will) attended IAATI UK’s annual conference, bringing together police, crime prevention experts and LCV security suppliers. Talks focused on rising van and tool theft—1 in 4 UK van drivers faced tool theft in 2024, with average losses over £2,400.

Industry offers anti-theft features (advanced locks, alarms, sprays) and tool-marking, but more policing is needed—e.g., a dedicated crime code to track tool theft costs and guide police responses.

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