Van registrations in 2014 increased by 18.7% compared to the previous year, according to the Society of Motor Manufactures and Traders.
The SMMT said 321,686 vans were registered during 2014, with the 2.0 – 2.5-tonne sector growing the most – 42.0% – compared to figures from 2013.
The only sector to fall compared to 2013 was that of vans weighing less than 2.0-tonnes, which dipped by 5.3%. However, the small van market is likely to receive a boost in 2015 once What Van?’s Van of the Year, Ford’s Transit Courier, becomes established.
Elsewhere, the niche 4×4 sector was up 27.4% on 2013, vans between 2.5 and 3.5-tonnes increased by 19.5% and pick-ups increased by 15.1%.
“A continued demand for vans has seen the commercial vehicle market in 2014 return to pre-recession levels, reflecting the growing confidence of many businesses in the UK.” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.
