New LCV registrations were up by 1.8% year-on-year to 14,384 in the UK in February, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The sharpest growth was for small vans weighing less than 2.0t, for which demand rose by 4.6% to 1,037 units.
Vans weighing 2.5t to 3.5t – by far the largest sector of the market with more than half of all sales – also performed well, up by 4.2% 9,348.
Demand for vans weighing 2.0t to 2.5t was down by 4.5% 2,469 while in a rare month of decline, pick-up registrations fell by 2.4% 1,505.
Registrations of 4x4s fell by 41.9%, though these make up a tiny fraction of the market with only 25 sold during February.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “While stability in the new van market in February is welcome news, it is important to remember that February is typically a quiet month, as buyers await the March plate-change.
“The increase follows a turbulent few months for van registrations and the effect of ongoing political and economic uncertainty on business confidence is likely to result in further fluctuations throughout the year.”
The Ford Transit Custom took its familiar place at the top of the sales charts with 2,023 registered.
The Ford Transit was second with 1,218 sales, just ahead of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with 1,204.
Completing the top five were the Ford Transit Connect (777) and the Vauxhall Vivaro (617).
