The SMMT’s recent Van Report underlined the breadth and diversity of our sector and highlighted the structural change in transport and logistics that has been taking place across the UK over the past ten years.
The all-time record van registration figures released today send a clear message that this change continues.
Numbers for the first half of this year are more than 4,000 units higher than the previous record in 2016 and confirm the long-term shift towards heavy vans.
But perhaps even more startling is that registrations of Alternatively Fuelled Vehicles (AFVs) are over 200% up on the same month last year. Granted this is from a low base but nonetheless it’s the beginning of what is likely to be a long-term shift in the market as manufacturers introduce new products.
The UK is clearly moving towards a more efficient logistics and service delivery model. However, all of this success could be undermined by the current political uncertainty and the risk of a no-deal Brexit. Such a scenario needs to be taken off the table and a sustainable compromise put in its place.
