September CV registrations reached the highest monthly volume for 15 years.

Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows new CV registrations for the rolling year to September totalled a new record 381,388 units. - a new record, while September’s 52,230 registrations were up 8.4% year on year.

The nine months to September saw year-on-year growth of 6.4% in the overall CV market, with exceptional demand for heavy vans being a key influence on both the month’s and year’s results.

Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive said, "We expect demand to hold at similar levels over the coming months, but growth next year may ease as interest rate rises hit more consumer and business markets."

4x4 utility registrations moved up 6.2% in September with a modest year-to-date rise of 0.5%. Car-type pick-up registrations fell 7.1% for the month and 4.3% for the year to date.

Light van registrations up to 1.8 tonnes gvw, dropped 6% in September and 2.8% for the year-to-date. In this sector there have been very distinct changes in the fortunes of the two main van makers, with Ford growing and Vauxhall registrations cooling, after a very strong performance in 2003.

Medium van registrations, 1.8 to 3.5t, gvw rose 15.9% year-on-year in September. Heavy vans, 2.6 to 3.5t gvw showed year-on-year growth of 21.1% for September and 15.1% for the year-to-date.