SMMT has released figures showing strong commercial vehicle registrations in the first quarter of this year. The figures show a record half year total of 209,515.

The body said that strong van growth in the van market was a “defining factor” behind the record numbers, with 186,404 vans being registered in the first six months of this year. SMMT said the numbers represented an “all-time high”.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive said: “The record half-year total for commercial vehicle registrations is not unexpected given the significant gains being made in the van market.”  

“Registrations of vans have been increasing strongly for some time, underpinned by economic confidence among large and small businesses, as well as the growing trend for home deliveries.”

Trucks have also been performing strongly, with registrations up more than 40% in both June and the year-to-date, according to the SMMT.

Hawes said: “The significant rise in truck registrations in June mirrors the sector’s performance in the year so far as it readjusts from the regulatory changes of 2014, while once again it was the heavier vehicles in van, artic and rigid segments that posted the largest rises.”