UK light commercial vehicle (LCVs) registrations fell by 5.8% in June to 35,182 units, according to figures released today by the SMMT.

Small, medium and large sized vans all saw demand fall in the month, down -18.2%, -7.3% and -6.4% respectively.

Pick-ups were the only growth sector with a 4.1% boost to to 5,019 units in June.

Year-to-date, 180,696 new LCVs have been registered, a drop of -2.3% on the first half of 2017, with the bulk of the decline in the market for vans weighing more than 2.5-3.5 tonnes.

However, the SMMT said demand is still at a high level, with registrations up more than a third (35.7%) on the same period five years ago.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “UK van registrations have fluctuated throughout the first half of this year, reflecting variable buying cycles which are a natural feature of the market.

“Despite this and recognising the fact that demand is still at a historically high level, the overall trend is downwards, with Brexit uncertainty and its negative effect on business confidence threatening long-term growth.”

Best sellers LCV <3.5 tonnes first six months of 2018

1. Ford Transit Custom 27,734
2. Ford Transit 16,710
3. Volkswagen Transporter 11,822
4. Ford Transit Connect 9,666
5. Peugeot Partner 9,208
6. Ford Ranger 7,930
7. Citroen Berlingo 7,928
8. Vauxhall Vivaro 7,665
9. Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 7,485
10. Peugeot Boxer 6,151