Van and truck registrations saw a 3% rise to 20,681 units in July and were up 21.6% year-to-date to 287,778 units.

According to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the growth was led by trucks, with registrations up 27.5% to 3,519 units, while van registrations fell slightly by 0.8% to 17,162 units.

Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said: "July saw the first drop in the volume of vans registered following 17 consecutive monthly increases, reflecting a more uncertain period for the economy.

"Truck figures rose by 27.5%, the tenth successive monthly rise and while industry remains cautious, expectations for the remainder of 2011 are optimistic, with van and truck figures looking set to reach 300,000 units by year-end."