Vehicle solutions business Motiva Group has reported that contract hire for trucks – a barometer for the economy in general – has almost doubled in 2013, with similar encouraging figures being reported nationwide.

Commenting on the positive implications for the UK as a whole, Peter Davenport, managing director of Stoke-on-Trent-based Motiva, said: ‘Our M-Way truck solutions arm completed a total of 48 contracts for HGVs in 2012 and we’ve already taken more than 80 in 2013. We expect to take between 95 and 98 orders by the end of the year.

‘It’s a particularly positive and concrete sign that the UK economy is starting to move in the right direction.’

Davenport said it was understandable that companies were reluctant to invest in new vehicles during a period of economic uncertainty.

He added: ‘A lot of people weren’t sure which way the market would go and, because of that, they were extending old hire contracts and continuing to run the same trucks.

‘Now things are beginning to pick up and it seems most people can see some light at the end of the tunnel.

‘Companies who held on to their fleet through uncertainty can now see a stronger future and it looks like they’re deciding now is the right time to renew their fleet.’

Davenport says the surge in HGV contract hire deals can also be put down to a natural consequence of leaner times in the past – and on legislation demanding sustainable fleets.

He said: ‘Businesses who would perhaps normally change their vehicles in year five have held on longer due to the recession.

‘But those trucks will now becoming a bit too long in the tooth and it’s probably now got to a point where they have to replace them because they’re becoming unreliable.

‘There is also an issue with the rules over emissions, particularly in London.

‘Older less sustainable vehicles need to be replaced to avoid the potential for extra charges and those running 05 or 06 plates would probably be looking at that right now too.

‘We can already supply any HGV, from 7.5 tonne up to 44 tonne and from rigid units to triaxles, along with all types of trailers, and we have funding partners in place to grow our truck solutions business further.'