The UK new LCV market saw 2.2% growth year-on-year in February, marking the 14th consecutive month of growth, and representing the best performance seen in the month since 1998.
Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that 17,934 LCVs were registered during the month.
The 2.5-3.5t van segment saw 1.4% year-on-year growth, with 12,300 registrations, accounting for 68.6% of the overall market.
Vans weighing 2.0-2.5t were down by 5.9%, with 3,162 registrations, while vans weighing les than 2.0t were down by 20.5%, with 275 registrations.
Pick-ups truck registrations were up by 21.2%, to 1,895, while 4×4 registrations were up by 108.3%, to 302.
Electric van sales were down year-on-year by 12.3%, to 847, taking a 4.7% market share.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Britain’s appetite for new vans remains undiminished with 14 months of growth and, with last month’s rethink of taxation for pick-ups, expansion looks to be sustained.
“However, this growth and confidence must be translated into zero emission vehicles if we are to deliver our green goals.
“Maintenance of essential incentives and a ramp up of dedicated van-suitable chargepoint installation will be vital if we are to help keep long-term, net zero fleet investment moving forward at the pace needed.”
In a change to the usual order, the Ford Transit topped the model sales chart in February, with 1,838 registrations, ahead of the Ford Transit Custom with 1,611, and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with 1,325.
Completing the top ten were the Vauxhall Vivaro (1,173 registrations), Toyota Hilux (836), Maxus Deliver 9 (779), Ford Ranger (741), Citroen Berlingo (701), Citroen Dispatch (628), and Ford Transit Connect (579).
