Registrations of new LCVs rose by 4.7% to 24,604 year-on-year in April, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The best performing market segments were small vans weighing less than 2.0t, of which sales were up by 8.8%, and 2.5t to 3.5t vans, for which demand rose by 6.5%.
The 2.0t to 2.5t segment saw a 0.1% rise in registrations, while demand for pick-ups fell by 1.4%.
Demand for four-wheel drives fell by 4.4%, but these only make up a tiny fraction of the overall market.
The latest figures mean that over the first four months of the year the new LCV market is up by 8% compared with 2018.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Such a strong start to the year is good news for the sector, drivers and the environment.
“Getting more of the latest, low emission models onto our roads is the fastest way to tackle climate change and improve air quality, and with modern vehicles also featuring sophisticated safety and comfort features, and a raft of attractive deals on offer, there’s never been a better time to invest in a new van.”
As usual, the Ford Transit Custom topped the LCV sales charts in April with 3,505 registrations.
Second was the Ford Transit with 1,897, ahead of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (1,752) and the Volkswagen Transporter (1,516).
The Vauxhall Combo was fifth with 1,036 registrations, just ahead of its sister models the Peugeot Partner (1,035) and Citroen Berlingo (1,024).
