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- European Used LCV Market - What Can We Expect in 2025?
European Used LCV Market - What Can We Expect in 2025?
Discover trends, tips, and insights on the European LCV market in 2025. Learn how to source the best used vans and stay ahead in the business!
2025 will likely be a good year for the used vehicle market in Europe, but what about light commercial vehicles (LCVs) in particular?
We’ll show you what 2024 was like for LCVs, what you can expect in 2025, and how you can source commercial vehicles for your dealership in the most efficient and profitable way.
Commercial vehicles in 2024 - Market recap
The European LCV market has been growing for years now, and 2024 was no exception, as 1.9 million LCVs were sold that year. Most of these were vans, around 1.7 million, and nearly all were smaller vehicles under 3.5 tons.
In terms of leading brands, GlobeNewswire lists the following as the biggest players:
- Stellantis - 33% of the market
- Ford - 18% of the market
- Renault-Nissan - 15% of the market
- Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz combined - 21.5% of the market
Now, what about fuel types?
The EU’s EV tax benefits and incentives, along with its strict CO₂ emission restrictions, have been pushing more businesses to consider electric vehicles.
Still, diesel was the top choice in 2024, powering 86% of all LCVs sold. This is an important piece of info for used vehicle traders since diesel-powered LCVs will likely stay in demand on the used market for years to come, even as interest in electric options grows.
It’s worth noting that the figures you’ve seen above refer to new purchases. However, understanding what’s available and popular today will help you plan your inventory more effectively in the future.
Top 2025 trends and predictions
After a stable 2024, we can expect the European LCV market to continue evolving in 2025. New trends and regulations will likely shape sales, fuel preferences, and the overall market.
Projected growth and forecasts
Based on the current trends, the market is expected to grow further.
In fact, Mordor Intelligence predicts the European LCV market will reach USD 97.85 billion by the end of 2025 and grow to USD 132.5 billion by 2029, with an average annual growth rate of 7.9%.
Image source: Mordor Intelligence
France is expected to be the largest market for LCVs in 2025, so focusing on importing vehicles to France could be a smart strategy for traders looking to tap into this high-demand market.
But, are van prices dropping in 2025?
Judging by the prices analysis by Autovista, used LCV prices in 2024 showed a consistent decline across Europe.
Image source: Autovista
This trend shows that used van prices might continue dropping, or at least won’t drastically rise soon. For traders, this creates opportunities to buy at lower prices, but it’s still important to price vehicles competitively to attract buyers.
Electric LCVs
Diesel may still be dominating the European LCV market, but electric LCVs are becoming more popular over time and their share of the market is expected to grow fast.
In 2023, only 6.9% of LCVs sold were electric, but by 2032, that number is predicted to jump to 60%. The shift is happening because of:
- Rising fuel costs
- Stricter environmental rules
- More charging stations available
So, if your dealership works with businesses that do deliveries in cities, adding electric LCVs to your inventory could be a smart move. They’ll likely show interest in electric LCVs because electric vans are perfect for urban use and help save on running costs.
Impact of new emission standards
New emission standards set by the EU will be a big factor influencing the future of the automotive market.
Starting January 1, 2025, the EU will enforce stricter CO₂ emission standards for new LCVs. Manufacturers will have to achieve a 15% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to 2021 levels.
Automakers who don’t meet the targets will be fined €95 for every gram of CO₂ over the limit, multiplied by the number of vehicles they sell.
While these standards don’t affect car dealers directly, they’ll change the market by getting manufacturers to focus on electric and low-emission vehicles. In turn, dealers will start seeing more of these greener options, which are great for businesses needing to follow stricter rules or work in low-emission zones.
LCV registrations per country in 2024
The LCV market in the EU saw growth in 2024 across key countries. Here’s a breakdown of the performance in each, according to ACEA and Autovista:
► France
France saw a 5.8% increase in new van registrations in the first nine months of 2024. The French LCV sector is expected to keep growing, and potentially become the biggest one in Europe in terms of market size.
► Italy
Italy reported a 7.3% rise in new van registrations during the same period. Interestingly, used van prices in Italy dropped significantly, falling by 9% from January to September 2024.
Image source: Autovista
So, while demand for new vans is growing, the used market is seeing price pressures, which could mean good opportunities for traders to buy at lower prices.
► Germany
Germany saw an 8.2% increase in new van registrations. However, there was also a 3.3% fall in prices from January to June 2024. This drop affected multiple segments, regardless of the vehicle’s age or fuel type.
Below, you can see that BEV LCVs saw the largest decline in prices. In contrast, petrol LCVs showed the smallest drop.
Image source: Autovista
For traders, this means that while you can buy BEVs at better deals, petrol LVCs could be a safer bet for maintaining higher resale value.
► Spain
Spain saw the biggest growth among major EU markets in 2024, with a huge 16.7% jump in new van registrations.
► Netherlands
The Netherlands saw 129,878 LCV registrations in 2024, which is a 3.1% rise from the year before. Out of these, nearly 35% were electric LCVs, making the Netherlands one of the leading markets for electric commercial vehicles in Europe.
How to source the right used commercial vans in 2025?
As you can see, buying and reselling used LCVs will continue to be a profitable business in 2025. To ensure your success, you have to know how to pick the right used LCVs and cargo vans for your B2B customers. Let’s go over three vital factors that you should consider.
Reliability and service history
Your customers’ businesses depend on the vehicles they use daily, so reliability is the number one thing they’ll be interested in.
That’s why you should always check the service history to ensure the van has been well-maintained. Look for signs of regular servicing, repairs, and replacement of key components. Reading VIN reports will get you a long way here!
Total cost of ownership (TCO)
The upfront cost of an LCV isn’t the only cost the buyer will face. The total cost of ownership (TCO) also includes fuel efficiency, maintenance expenses, insurance, and depreciation.
When selecting LCVs to stock, go for vehicles known for being economical to run and maintain.
Brand reputation and availability of parts
You should stick to brands with a strong reputation for durability and good customer support. Availability of spare parts is also key because it ensures quick repairs and less downtime.
A Cadillac Escalade van probably wouldn’t bring too much value to your dealership, so it’s better to focus on widely-used brands that your customers actually want.
Check our used LCV picks for 2025!
Alright, these theoretical tips work best when you have to narrow down your choices. But if you need a starting point, we’ve got you covered.
We’ve ranked the top LCVs to buy in 2025 based on performance, value, and reliability, so check the list out and you’ll build a fast-moving inventory in no time.
European LCV market in 2025 - FAQ
Got questions about the 2025 European LCV market? Here are the answers to some of the most common ones.
► Will diesel LCV prices drop further in 2025 due to emission restrictions?
It’s likely that they will. Trends from 2024 and new, stricter CO₂ regulations coming into effect in 2025 suggest that diesel LCV prices could drop even further. For traders, this might be a good chance to stock up on vehicles at lower prices.
► How reliable are electric LCVs on the second-hand market?
The battery technology itself is advancing, so newer models of used LCVs are also more reliable than their older versions. Still, you should check the battery health, warranty status, and service history before buying. Models from reputable brands with strong support are always a better option.
► Are there tax incentives in the EU for buying used electric or hybrid LCVs?
Yes, some EU countries offer tax breaks or subsidies for used electric and hybrid LCVs. Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and France provide incentives that encourage buyers to get greener options, and will continue doing so in 2025. These incentives vary by country, so check local regulations to see what applies in your area.
► Is 2025 a good year to refresh your commercial vehicle fleet?
Based on the trends we’ve seen so far, it seems like it is. With potential price drops in diesel LCVs and stricter regulations pushing for greener fleets, 2025 offers plenty of opportunities to upgrade. Refreshing your fleet now could help you stay competitive and meet future market demands.
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14 Ian 2025
