The UK pickup market suffered another heavy fall in May, with registrations down 57.7% year on year as the impact of Benefit-in-Kind tax changes continues to reshape demand.

According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, just 1,138 new pickups were registered in May 2026, compared with 2,690 in the same month last year. Pickups accounted for only 4.8% of the total light commercial vehicle market in May, down from 11.8% a year earlier.

The decline marks the eighth consecutive month of declining pickup demand, following the tax changes introduced last April that classify double-cab pickups as cars for Benefit-in-Kind purposes. The change has significantly increased tax costs for many company pickup users.

The year-to-date picture is even more stark. Pickup registrations in the first five months of 2026 totalled 8,055 units, down 55.6% from 18,148 in the same period last year.

Ranger still in top 10 despite market slump

Despite the wider market decline, the Ford Ranger remains one of the UK’s best-selling light commercial vehicles. Year to date, it sits eighth in the overall LCV rankings with 4,423 registrations, although it didn’t make the cut in May’s figures.

The Land Rover Defender Hard Top commercial 4×4 also continues to appear in the rankings, placing eighth in May with 668 registrations and ninth year to date with 3,635 registrations. Commercial 4×4 registrations rose 16.2% in May to 832 units, and are up 42.7% year to date at 4,707 units.

The contrast between pickups and 4x4s is increasingly striking. While pickup registrations have more than halved so far this year, 4×4 registrations have grown sharply, suggesting some buyers may be moving away from traditional double-cab pickups where tax treatment is now less favourable.

Industry calls for tax rethink

SMMT said the fall in pickup demand reflects the continuing impact of the double-cab tax changes and warned that the policy could slow investment in lower-emission and zero-emission models.

The organisation continues to call on government to reverse the measure, arguing that it would encourage businesses to renew fleets while still supporting Treasury revenue.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Two months of LCV market growth is good news, but the overall outlook remains challenging. Battery electric van uptake is rising, but not fast enough to match regulatory ambition, while the collapse in pickup demand shows how quickly tax policy can hit key sectors. If the transition is to succeed, regulation, infrastructure and incentives must be aligned with the realities of the market.”

The decline comes despite the wider LCV market recording its second consecutive month of growth. Overall registrations of vans, pickups and 4x4s rose 3.6% in May to 23,620 units, driven by a strong performance from large vans.

Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association, said: “Strong demand for larger vans continues to support the market, although the ongoing decline in pickup registrations remains a challenge.”

Phil Huff
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