- Commercial vehicle registrations reach all-time high in 2015, with 423,894 units – up 16.7% on 2014.
- Best ever year for vans with 371,830 registrations, surpassing previous record set in 2007.
- Strong performance from truck sector, with demand up by a quarter to 52,064.
UK van and truck registrations: 2015 and % change on 2014
Thursday 7 January 2016 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, SMMT Chief Executive, 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.”
Download the December and full-year 2015 CV manufacturing press release and tables.
