New van registrations rose by 20.9% to 24,927 in April 2015, compared to the same period last year, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The SMMT figures showed that the strong in new van registrations seen last year has remained remarkably consistent in 2015, with month-on-month, year-to-date and rolling year figures all within 1% of 22% growth:

UK van and truck registrations: 2015 and % change on 2014

Data courtest of SMMT (www.smmt.co.uk)

Truck registrations continued to recover after the distortion caused by the introduction of Euro 6, and were up by 43.5% in April, compared to the same period last year, leaving total UK CV registrations 23.5% higher last month than during April 2014.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said that he expects the momentum to continue through the year, as long as business confidence is not adversely affected by the outcome of the general election:

“With business confidence still on the up, the strong uplift enjoyed in the commercial vehicle market this year has continued into spring. Demand for new vans is stronger than ever, with the sector recording its 12th consecutive month of growth in April.

“The move towards larger vehicles across all segments was again evident last month, with rigids weighing in over six tonnes and three-axle artics driving the increase in truck registrations.

“We look to the next government for stability to ensure this robust performance continues.”

Here’s a graph showing how van and truck registrations have changed since January 2010 — van registrations (<3.5t) are shown by the dark blue line:

Van and truck registrations Jan 2010 – Apr 2015 (courtesy of SMMT)

As seen in previous months, large vans are driving the bulk of volume, with sales of vans between 2.5t and 3.5t rising by 2,263 to 14,382 in April, a 19% rise on the same period last year.