Why 2026 Could Be a Challenging Year for Vehicle Availability
Numerous Issues Cause Commercial Vehicle Production Slowdown.
If you’re planning to replace or add vehicles this year, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: stock could be tighter than many businesses expect.
New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that UK vehicle production fell by more than 15% in 2025, making it one of the toughest years the industry has faced in some time.
Commercial vehicle production was hit particularly hard, dropping by more than 60%.
That slowdown wasn’t caused by one single issue.
A mix of factory restructures, plant closures, supply disruption, cyber incidents and wider industry changes all played a part.
The shift towards electric vehicles has also meant manufacturers are juggling new model launches alongside winding down older production lines.
What This Means for Stock in 2026
While there’s optimism that production will recover later this year, the reality for buyers is that supply doesn’t bounce back overnight.
Lower production last year means:
- Fewer vehicles feeding into dealer and broker stock this year
- Less choice in popular specifications
- Reduced discounting and fewer strong offers
- Longer lead times on factory orders
For vans in particular, availability is likely to remain patchy. Some models and engine types may be easy to source, while others could involve long waits or compromises on specification.
This is especially important for businesses that rely on vehicles day in, day out.
Waiting until a van is overdue for replacement before starting the process could mean being forced into whatever happens to be available at the time.
Electric Vehicles Buck the Trend, But Planning Is Still Key
One bright spot in the production figures is electric vehicles. EV manufacturing actually increased last year, and a number of new electric models are due to enter production during 2026.
That’s good news in the long term, but in the short term it still means competition for the best stock.
Early adopters and well-prepared businesses are more likely to secure the most suitable vehicles, while late movers may face limited options or longer waits.
Why Acting Early Matters
For small and medium-sized businesses, timing can make a big difference. Planning vehicle replacements early gives you:
- More choice on model and specification
- Better access to competitive pricing
- Time to consider electric or alternative options properly
- Fewer surprises when contracts end
It also avoids the risk of running vehicles longer than planned, which can increase maintenance costs and downtime.
How Cheshire Fleet Solutions Can Help
At Cheshire Fleet Solutions, we’re already working with customers to plan ahead for 2026. By looking at renewal dates early and keeping a close eye on stock pipelines, we can help secure the right vehicles before availability tightens further.
Whether you’re replacing one van or reviewing a small fleet, starting the conversation now puts you in a far stronger position later in the year.
If you know you’ll need vehicles in the next 6 to 12 months, now is the time to act.
Get in touch and let us help you stay ahead of the stock squeeze, rather than reacting to it.