Online shopping growth boosts van sales
The growth in online shopping has helped commercial van sales to achieve a record high in the first quarter of 2015.
Figures released by The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that 108,456 vans and trucks were registered between January and March 2015. This represents the highest number sold since the organisation began compiling its figures in 1987.
The SMMT said the surge in registrations reflected an upturn in UK economic confidence as consumers spend on goods and services and businesses invest in vehicles to deliver them. Demand is expected to remain strong as home deliveries continue to grow in popularity.
The SMMT has found that some commercial van operators are returning to the market after holding off from making new purchases during the recession years. In addition, attractive finance offerings from manufacturers are making it easier to invest new vehicles.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Commercial vehicles are crucial to the functioning of Britain’s economy and these latest figures paint a very encouraging picture. As business confidence grows, demand for the latest vans and trucks is now back to pre-recession levels – outpacing the rest of Europe.“
The SMMT’s figures show that there are currently some 4.4 million vans and trucks on British roads, delivering 81% of all goods and shifting almost 3,000 tonnes of goods every minute.
