Nigel Base of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders writes...

2015 registrations show strength of CV sector

2016 has started at a fast pace that I suspect is likely to continue. Final registration figures for 2015, released today, confirm a record year for vans and robust growth for trucks. This is good news for the industry as the New Year begins in earnest, but it's fair to say the bar is now set high.

 It’s interesting to note the shift towards heavier vehicles in all three main categories; vans, rigid trucks and artics. This trend has been apparent for nearly 20 years, but over the past 12 months there has been a step change. Vehicle users seem to be getting the biggest bang for their buck: the need to increase productivity, driver shortages and access to finance are all contributing to the shift.