Record van demand drives UK commercial vehicle market to all-time high
UK van and truck registrations: 2015 and % change on 2014
December % change Year-to-date % change Rolling year % change
Vans 30,410 14.6% 371,830 15.6% 371,830 15.6%
Trucks 4,880 68.4% 52,064 25.5% 52,064 25.5%
Total 35,290 19.9% 423,894 16.7% 423,894 16.7%
Commercial vehicle demand reached an all time high in 2015, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A steep curve in growth since 2012 has seen the CV market overtake pre-recession levels with a total of 423,894 vehicles registered in 2015.
Growth was fuelled by the van sector, where demand, buoyed by the ongoing online shopping boom and attractive finance deals, hit record levels – up 15.6% to 371,830 registrations in 2015. Trucks also showed robust growth in a return to form for the sector, with registrations up 25.5% to 52,064 units, following a slower year in 2014 after regulatory upheaval resulted in a distortion of fleet renewal patterns.
Mike Hawes, chief executive, SMMT, said:
“This is excellent news for the commercial vehicle industry, and indeed the economy, with registrations of both vans and trucks posting strong gains, up 16.7% in total on 2014. CV demand is a key barometer of UK economic confidence and the market’s strong growth in 2015 was particularly encouraging. However, with these record figures in mind, we will expect to see the market levelling off slightly in 2016.”
To see full release and related files, click here