The Ford Transit Custom is the UK’s most popular new van.

After ending last year on a down note, new van sales came roaring back in February with a surprise 6.4% increase, compared to the same month last year.

According to figures released this week by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), new van registrations rose by 6.4% to 14,135 units in February. Demand grew most strongly in the 2.0-2.5t van category, which clocked up a 20% increase. This might indicate a major fleet order was completed during the month.

New van registrations February 2018 (Source: SMMT)

According to Mike Hawes, the SMMT’s chief executive, uncertain market conditions mean that further volatility is likely:

 “February is typically a quiet month as buyers await the March plate change so the rise in demand is welcome news. However, with so much uncertainty in the UK at the moment and weak business confidence, we can expect further fluctuations in demand for the rest of the year.”

The UK’s top-selling vans

Market conditions may be more uncertain, but van buyers’ favourite models have remained fairly predictable. The Blue Oval has retained its commanding lead at the top of the best seller list, with the Ford Transit Custom and Ford Transit accounting for almost 25% (8,521) of the new vans registered so far in 2018.

Here’s the top 10 best seller list for February and 2018 to date:

The top-selling vans so far this year (source: SMMT)

I suspect that a good number of these vans, especially the Ford, Mercedes and VW models are now in the hands of van rental firms. Good news for drivers who’ll get to work behind the wheel of some of the best and most sophisticated vans ever made.