New van registrations were 6.7% higher in October than in October 2010, bringing the year-to-date increase in the sub-3.5t sector to 17.3%, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A total of 19,370 commercial vehicles under 3.5t were registered in October.

Growth was particularly strong in the 2.0t-2.5t van sector (vans like the Ford Transit Connect and Volkswagen Caddy), where sales were 38% higher than in October 2010. The 2.5t-3.5t van sector (e.g. Ford Transit, Mercedes Sprinter) actually experienced a 3% fall compared to the same month in 2010, with sales dropping from 11,716 last year to 11,370 in October 2011.

Commenting on the figures, Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive, said:

“The commercial vehicle market remains buoyant with October registrations up by more than 10% and year to date up by nearly 20%. Efficiency is a key driver as operators are investing in the latest models across almost every market sector to reap the rewards of greater load carrying ability and fuel economy.”

Truck sales did even better, rising by 33.3% in October alone, bring the year-to-date increase to 22.7%. In total, commercial vehicle registrations rose by 10.7% in October alone and have risen by 18.0% so far this year.