Commercial vehicle registrations rose 5% in February to 11,336 units, year-to-date up 5.4% at 30,267.

Van registrations grew 11.8% to 9,149 in the month continuing positive 2013 performance at 25,198 units. Truck registrations however fell 16.3%, to 2,187 units in the month and dipped 18.2% for the year so far.

"The commercial vehicle industry’s good start to 2013 continued into February, rising 5% as the van market grew 11.8% on last year, but it’s a complex picture," said Nigel Base, SMMT commercial vehicle manager. "The truck market declined 16%, perhaps as owners and operators adjust buying decisions ahead of key landmarks in the year -  this month's Budget, the CV Show in April and introduction of Euro 6 legislation at the end of the year."