Vendors should expect to see increased demand for panel vans in the run-up to Christmas as digital retailers are predicting the biggest Christmas ever for online sales. 

Online sales increased by 16% in August and major high street retailers are reporting increases in excess of 20% in the last quarter alone.

BCA’s Duncan Ward suggested many delivery and courier companies will be seeking to take on extra vehicles, with many turning to the used market because they can buy quickly as delivery demand ramps up.

Ward said: “With so much activity on behalf of digital retailers in the run-up to Christmas, delivery companies will need to take on extra capacity, so we are expecting a lot of interest in the next few weeks. The festive season also sees demand rise for fridge and freezer vans.”