Beyond the top line statistics, April also saw strong demand for trucks above 3.5 tonnes continuing – up 43.5% in April to 3,900 units, compared to last year's April like-for-like figure of 2,718.
Rigids showed 27.4% growth , with registrations for April rising from 1,798 last year to 2,290 this, but two- and three-axle tractors enjoyed 75% growth – from 920 last April to 1,610 this April, led by market leader DAF Trucks.
Van registrations also increased for the 12th consecutive month – to 24,927, up 20.9% – with Ford posting registrations up by 39.5% for the year to date, nearly double those of its nearest rival VW, compared with the same period in 2014.
"With business confidence still on the up, the strong uplift enjoyed in the commercial vehicle market this year has continued into spring," comments Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.
"The move towards larger vehicles across all segments was again evident, with rigids weighing in over six tonnes and three-axle artics driving the increase in truck registrations," he continues.
"We look to the next government for stability to ensure this robust performance continues."