ReturnLoads.net can report vehicle registrations of commercial vehicles hit a five-year high in 2013 according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders released this week.
Compared with 14.7% in 2012, more commercial vehicles were registered at 327,291 units.
December saw van registrations soar by 32.5% and ended the year 13.1% up at 271,073. This year’s switch to Euro 6 emissions regulations for trucks also fuelled a 23% growth in registrations in this sector for the year with a total of 56,218 units.
Decembers truck registrations were 217.2% higher than in the previous years.
“The 2013 commercial vehicle market rose 14.7%, making it the best performance in the last five years,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. “Boosted by a strong second half to the year, the truck market rose to pass 56,000 units, while van owners and operators responded positively to the wider economic recovery finishing the year more than 13% up on 2012.
“The introduction of new Euro 6 trucks will be of key interest to the heavy end of the market in 2014, while we expect the forthcoming launches of several new light commercial vans to deliver further growth in this important sector.”
ReturnLoads.net will report more on this story once news is available.