LCVs have for several years been an important part of Activa Contracts’ business with more than 25% of its contract hire fleet being formed by sub-3.5 tonne load carriers.
The new development coincides with a period of record growth in van registrations which were 3.3% up in the first four months of 2016, following a bumper 2015 which saw 371,830 units being registered – a 15.6% year-on-year increase.
Latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also reveal that the number of vans on Britain’s roads has hit an all-time high of 4,007,331 representing a 4.3% increase over the previous year.
The Activa LCV team has been strengthened by the appointment of Jack Ball, an experienced fleet professional who has spent 19 years in the industry; most recently in a specialist LCV role at VMS Fleet Management.
Mr Ball, appointed to the new post of commercial vehicle manager, said: “There is huge corporate demand for LCVs so it makes sense to further enhance Activa Contracts’ proposition to clients and prospects with a specialist dedicated consultancy-based approach.”
Sustained business confidence and the continuing surge in demand for online deliveries have been key to stimulating LCV growth, and Mr Ball said: “It is not simply a case of clients leasing vans, but ensuring that vehicle selection is based on whole life costs, units are fit-for-purpose and all ancillary items are factored into the cost analysis and fitted prior to delivery. Our bespoke solutions are based on a full understanding of the specific operating environment of each vehicle”.