Total sales of Ford CVs were up from 66,457 in the full year 2012 to 72,238 for 2013, according to official Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ figures.

Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain sales director, said: "Ford’s CV range is the best ever, offering class-leading vehicles in all key segments, with further exciting models to come.

"The after-sales experience provided by the UK’s largest dealer network together with the huge investment into Ford’s UK commercial vehicle range has helped to deliver the best CV sales figures in four years. Significantly, the increasing strength of that business reflects in a growth in retail demand and a reduction of rental share."

Combined Ford Transit and Transit Custom registrations increased by more than 11.0% year-on-year, from 52,441 in 2012 to 58,446 in 2013. There were 10,939 Transit Custom registrations in its first full year on sale.

Ford Ranger sales increased by more than 50% year-on-year from 2,818 to 4,310, while Fiesta Van sales increased by almost 20% from 3,172 in 2012 to 3,792 in 2013 to maintain segment leadership with more than 58% share.

Ford is mid-way through the complete replacement of its commercial vehicle range, with the introduction of the all-new one-tonne Transit Custom in late 2012 and the all-new Transit Connect in late 2013. Ford is set to launch the all-new two-tonne Transit and all-new Transit Courier by the summer of 2014, to complete the new four-vehicle Transit line-up.