Rise in Fleet Adoption of Second-Hand Vans Expected in Next Three Years: Arval Research

Are you considering adding second-hand vans to your fleet in the next few years? According to research by Arval, you’re not alone. In fact, four out of 10 fleets (40%) are planning to start using pre-owned vans within the next three years.

The trend towards used vans is consistent across all fleet sizes, with 16% of operators already utilizing pre-owned light commercial vehicles (LCVs). This shift in the industry is highlighted in the 2024 Arval Mobility Observatory Fleet & Mobility Barometer, which also revealed that more than half of UK fleets (54%) are now purchasing used cars for company purposes, with an additional 24% planning to do so in the near future.

So, what’s driving this shift towards second-hand vehicles? Shaun Sadlier, head of Arval Mobility Observatory in the UK, suggests that limited new van supply due to the pandemic, rising prices of new vans, and the realization that vans have longer fleet lives than previously thought are all contributing factors. Additionally, buying used provides a cost-effective solution for fleet acquisition.

Interestingly, the trend towards used vans is seen across fleets of all sizes, with smaller organizations (less than 10 employees) already operating them and larger organizations (more than 1,000 employees) planning to add more. This indicates that regardless of size, fleets are recognizing the benefits of incorporating pre-owned vans into their operations.

While the future of new van supply may impact the continued adoption of used vans, the current trend signals a shift in how van fleets view vehicle availability and operational issues. The 2024 Arval Mobility Observatory surveyed over 8,600 businesses in 30 countries, providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of fleet operations.

Whether you’re a small business looking to optimize costs or a large corporation seeking to diversify your fleet, the trend towards second-hand vans presents an opportunity to enhance your operations. Stay ahead of the curve and consider incorporating pre-owned vans into your fleet strategy – it may just be the key to unlocking cost savings and operational efficiency.