LCV expert David Spear looks back at 2016, the fourth consecutive year of growth for the market

LCV expert David Spear looks back at 2016, the fourth consecutive year of growth for the market
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Heads of The Valleys based dealer David Spear Commercial Vehicles is no stranger to the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market. As a leading supplier of new, nearly new and used commercial vehicles, they have witnessed another year of tremendous growth and as we settle into 2017, their experts look back on another record year for the new van sector.

In summary there were more than 375,000 registrations of new light commercial vehicles during 2016, a category which includes all vans to 3.5t. This figure charts a 1% increase on 2015. However, the good news doesn’t end there, as Owner David Spear explains.

“2016 is actually the fourth consecutive year of growth for the LCV market, which is obviously great news for us as dealers but even better news for the commercial and industrial customers looking to invest in new and used additions for their fleet. The sector is gaining strength and continuing to prove its worth as a strong area of investment for buyers and manufacturers, despite the unsteady economic and business climate as Brexit talks endure,” said David.

Marginal growth is evident across most van models, with increases in pickup, 2.5 to 3.5t and all vans to 3.5t registrations. Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed that as a result of last year’s record high number of registrations there are now more new vans and pickups on UK roads than ever before.

David added, “During 2016 new van registrations fell only four times, with December 2016 the second most successful month on record, only pipped by the record breaking month we experienced in December 2015.”

Pickups had a particularly successful year last year with some 47,715 models registered during the 12-month period. Pickup registrations have grown by 17.6%, and contributed significantly to the highest ever level of registrations seen by the new light commercials market.

“Whether the success of increased registrations will continue in 2017 is yet to be seen but as confidence grows amongst buyers and manufacturers, more and more flexible finance options and better value commercial vehicle deals are likely to be realised by customers, especially if demand continues to grow. Now could indeed be the perfect time to invest in your commercial fleet, whether you are looking to upgrade on existing models or strengthen numbers with a few timely additions,” concluded David.

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