Total commercial vehicle registrations were up by more than 17% in May, to 31,922 units. This was the fifth consecutive monthly increase for the previously beleaguered truck market, which enjoyed a 36% boost. Vans, meanwhile hit a record registration figure of 150,000 and were up by 15% on the previous month.
"It is an indication of just how strongly the commercial vehicle sector has performed in recent months that May's 17.4% rise in registrations is actually the lowest so far in 2015," says Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.
"Truck demand is also up by a staggering 35.9% as fleet operators continue to push for maximum space and efficiency. The biggest gains in the month were again made in the heavier ends of the van and rigid truck markets, with a 35.6% fall in two-axle artics balanced by a 35.6% rise in those with three axles."
SMMT figures also show the bus and coach sector was up by 21% in May, with growth across all segments. So far in 2015, the market has grown by 14% to 3,837 units.
"Coach builders in particular enjoyed a welcome boost to business as operators continued to invest in their fleets ahead of the busy summer holiday period," says Hawes.
"With overall year-to-date values remaining high for a fifth month this year, we can be optimistic that this trend will continue into 2015."