Limited supply and cost forcing fleets to mull using pre-owned vans

Four out of ten fleets (40%) plan to start using second-hand vans in the next three years according to new research which indicates that 16% of operators are already using pre-owned light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

The 2024 Arval Mobility Observatory Fleet & Mobility Barometer, which surveyed 8,605 businesses in 30 countries about their vehicle operations, found that many are moving towards acquiring used vans.

Shaun Sadlier, head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, commented: “The research doesn’t delve into the reasons behind this, so we are left to speculate. However, several trends likely explain this shift.

“The most probable reason is that since the pandemic, new van supply has been limited, prompting fleets to explore alternative sources, including the used market. For some operators, buying used has become relatively commonplace and an effective way to meet their requirements.

“Additionally, the limited supply has led fleets to extend replacement cycles and realize that vans can have longer fleet lives than previously thought, even if maintenance becomes more of an issue over time. This has potentially reduced the fear of buying older vehicles.

“Finally, the rapid increase in new van prices in recent years makes buying used a more cost-effective option.”

The trend towards used vans is consistent across all fleet sizes, the Arval Mobility Observatory reveals, with 18% of fleets with fewer than 10 employees already operating them and 36% planning to add more; compared to 14% and 43% respectively for those with more than 1,000 employees.

Sadlier added: “It’s interesting that almost irrespective of the size of the organisation, fleets are reaching similar conclusions about used vans. Clearly, similar factors are affecting operators across the board.

“Of course, it is entirely possible that if we see a continued improvement in the supply of new vans, this trend towards used vans may not materialise. However, it’s a strong indication of how van fleets view the current situation in terms of vehicle availability and operational issues.”