Light commercial vehicle registrations increased by 6.2% to 28,208 units in October, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Year-to-date van registrations are up by 16.3% to 312,369 units.

Large vans over 2.5t led growth in October with an increase in registrations of 17.5% to 17,766 units. The strong pick-up market followed with growth of 16.7% to 3,013 units. The biggest drop off in demand came from vans between 2.0t and 2.5t, with a fall of 26.6% to 3,822 units, while vans under 2.0t saw a 6.8% decline to 2,762 units.​

The SMMT puts the growth behind increasing business confidence and the ever-growing popularity of online shopping.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The van and truck market remains strong, with remarkable growth across all commercial vehicle types so far this year.

“The rise in demand for vans demonstrates an ongoing trend as more consumers choose the convenience of home delivery.”