A total of 15,385 new vehicles were registered, up 6.3% compared against August 2015, with pickups and heavy vans in the 2.5—3.5 tonne range seeing the greatest rise at 14.4% and accounting for a massive 63% of the overall vans market.
Year-to-date figures also showed unrelenting growth, up 2.9% with 231,857 registrations to the close of August 2016.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes states that new van registrations were the greatest recorded in a single month since 2006, adding that businesses are taking advantage of low interest rates and discount packages.
“After a slower July, it is good to see growth in the new van market pick up again in August, with a record made in this traditionally quiet month,” comments Hawes (pictured).
“To ensure this performance continues, it is vital that government takes the necessary steps to secure economic stability and maintain confidence for operators to continue to invest in their fleets.”
Ford vans again led the commercial vehicle sales market in August, in both the sub 3-5 tonne and the 3.5—6.0 tonne segments, with the Ford Transit Custom the best-selling LCV model.
Commenting that its favourable results are ahead of September’s 66-plate rush, Andy Barratt, Ford of Britain chairman and managing director, says: “Strong Ford CV sales see us holding over 30% of the commercial vehicle market [which is] testament to the strength and breadth of the Transit brand.”