Operators looking for flexible options has resulted in increasing demand for rented and leased commercial vehicles, a new report suggests.

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has published its 2020 Industry Outlook for Commercial Vehicles report, charting the main challenges faced by the sector and providing insight into how they are being overcome.

The association’s 1,000-plus member organisations are responsible for more than five million vehicles, including 20% of all trucks and vans on UK roads.

BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “Many truck and van operators are delaying re-fleeting decisions, largely due to a lack of confidence in their ability to forecast as a result of continuing uncertainties.

“Cost remains a major concern for operators, as knowing what a vehicle will cost post-Brexit is still an unknown. When you combine this with the confusing array of local air quality initiatives, the landscape becomes even more uncertain.”

Keaney says renting and leasing is becoming an increasingly attractive option for commercial vehicle operators.

The 2020 Industry Outlook for Commercial Vehicles report provides an industry view on 7 key areas:

• Operator behaviour – Evidence suggests that operator demand for rented or leased commercial vehicles is increasing.
• Brexit – Brexit-related uncertainty continues to dog all areas of the road transport supply chain.
• Clean Air Zones – Devolving the introduction of air quality strategies to local government has created inconsistency and uncertainty.
• The Road to Zero – Electric vans and some form of gas for long haul trucks is the industry’s consensus for delivering the UK’s zero-emission goals.
• Last mile – The reality is some way behind the excitement when it comes to technology driven innovations for ‘last mile’ logistics.
• Big data – Capturing and analysing data is big business and becoming increasingly important.
• Skills and talent – Retaining and recruiting skilled staff whilst tackling skill shortages is crucial.