New Van Sales Are Down – But Why?
📉 According to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), new van registrations in the UK have dropped 12.3% year-on-year as of May 2025. It’s the third consecutive month of decline, with large vans and new diesel models hit hardest.
💬 So, what’s causing the slowdown — and more importantly, what does this mean for buyers like you?
Let’s break it down.
🛠️ 1. Delays, Shortages & Cost Surges
⏳ Ongoing supply chain disruptions and factory backlogs mean that wait times for new vans can still stretch from 3–6 months. On top of that, the cost of brand-new commercial vans has risen by up to 18% since 2023 — making them less appealing to cost-conscious businesses.
🧾 For many buyers, especially sole traders and small firms, the numbers simply don’t add up anymore.
💷 2. Value in the Used Market
📈 With fewer new vans available, demand for quality used models has soared. According to trade figures, used van prices have increased by an average of £554 per unit since January, yet they remain significantly cheaper than new.
🔁 At Merseyside Van Sales, we’ve expanded our used van stock to meet this demand — including popular models like:
📦 3. Smart Buyers Are Switching Strategies
🤔 Instead of pre-ordering new vans, many businesses are now:
-
🧠 Choosing pre-owned vehicles they can inspect and test drive immediately
-
🔁 Opting for short-term fleet additions while prices settle
-
💸 Reinvesting savings from used purchases into tools, insurance or hiring
Compact vans in particular — like the Peugeot Partner and Vauxhall Combo — are flying off forecourts in Merseyside and across the UK. Read more on that in our post: Compact Vans Surge: Small Vans See Nearly 90% Growth in 2025.
📍 Local Buyers: What This Means for You
📍 If you’re in St Helens, Liverpool, or anywhere across Merseyside, this market shift is a chance to:
-
🕒 Avoid long delays by buying used
-
💷 Save money while still getting a van that does the job
-
🛠️ Pick from a wide selection of models that are ready for work
Check out our latest used van stock here.
🔍 Should You Still Buy New?
✅ Yes — but only if:
-
You have specific factory build needs
-
You’re happy to wait several months
-
You don’t mind paying a premium
Otherwise, buying used from a trusted, local dealer can get you on the road faster and smarter — especially if the van has a full service history and warranty, like most of ours do.