After a slower start to the year, new LCV registrations rose by 11.8% to 27,880 in April, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Once more large vans (2.5-3.5t) drove demand, with registrations up by 22.8% in April to 17,660 units. That’s 63% of all vans and pickups registered last month. Here’s how new van registrations have risen over the last six years:

New van registrations from April 2010 to April 2016 (graph courtesy of SMMT)

Ford topped the sales tables once again, selling 8,219 vans last month, twice as many as second-placed Volkswagen with 4,194 vans. Vauxhall’s Made in Britain status helped its range into a worthy third place, with 3,430 van registered in April.

Commenting on the figures, Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive said:

“Following a quieter start to 2016, it is positive to see the van market picking up with a third consecutive month of growth in April, once again fuelled by increased demand for larger LCVs. The 3.3% rise in registrations during the first four months of the year places the sector in a strong position and on track to maintain stable growth throughout 2016.”

So far this year, new van registrations have risen by 3.3% to 126,786 units, with growth being driven by large vans and pickups, which are now the third-biggest selling class of light commercial vehicle in the UK. A total of 15,560 new pickups have been registered so far in 2016, pushing the sub-2.0t van class into fourth place, with 13,727 new units registered.