Demand for commercial vehicles driven by construction sector, says Sogo

The construction and facilities management sectors have overtaken logistics as the fastest-growing users of commercial vehicles, according to Sogo. 

While February saw new leases down 12% on the same month last year, the green mobility provider says this was due to delivery delays, and demand remained ahead of 2021. 

Karl Howkins (pictured), managing director for Sogo, said: “The commercial vehicle sector continues to perform strongly.

“We have seen our commercial vehicle fleet grow by 31% over the last 12 months and demand continues to grow, particularly in the construction and facilities management sectors.” 

The latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed sales of new vans and pick-ups were down by 6% in February, as the commercial vehicle sector continued to feel the effect of the semiconductor shortage.

A total of 16,165 light commercials were sold during the month, which is historically known for small volumes due to the plate change in March.

Nevertheless, Sogo has seen strong demand for panel vans, tippers and pick-ups.

“Companies of all sizes are looking to reduce their carbon footprint,” continued Howkins. “Our partnership with BP Target Neutral is attracting new fleet operators to our services, along with the opportunity to rent vehicles on a monthly basis.” 

The partnership between Sogo and the BP Target Neutral Programme has helped fleet operators and consumers offset over 5,200 tonnes of carbon in the past 12 months.

Every mile driven in a Sogo vehicle is carbon offset in a globally recognised carbon neutral scheme. 

Sogo has launched Sogo Flexi, Salary Sacrifice and Green transition and its Equity Release schemes in the past year.

Read our interview with Howkins, Sogo’s MD, in the February digital edition of Fleet News.