New van registrations increased by 9.4% in September to 38,644 units and are up 19.5% to 254,045 year-to-date.

Business confidence in the commercial vehicle market has been strong this year and September continues the upward trend.

Paul Everitt, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: “The future state of the economy is certainly a concern, but it’s clear that owners and operators are currently investing in new, fuel-efficient vehicles to help weather the storm of high fuel prices.”