The number of new vans sold in the UK fitted with digital radio as standard in the past 12 months has increased by 130% compared with the previous year, according to data from industry analysts CAP and The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

In the past 12 months, just under 120,000 new vans were registered with digital radio as standard, compared with 52,000 over the previous 12 months. 

In Q1 2016, 36.5% of new vans were fitted with digital radio as standard, compared with 22% in Q1 2015.

Ford, Renault, Vauxhall, and Volkswagen all offer digital radio as standard on the majority of their models, and van manufacturers are launching further new models with digital radio fitted as standard.

At this week’s Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, Toyota unveiled the new Proace van, Citroen unveiled the new Dispatch van, and Peugeot revealed the new Expert van, all three offering DAB digital radio as standard.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said: “We are seeing ever-greater numbers of new vans on our roads, a reflection of economic confidence and changing retail patterns.

"Ever more of these vehicles have digital radio fitted as standard, a reflection of manufacturers’ commitment to – and consumer demand for - this latest technology.”