That’s according to latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which says the steady increase in demand this year has been driven by pick-ups, up by 16.4% in September – the eighth consecutive month of growth.
Heavier vans were also popular, with registrations of vehicles weighing 2-2.5 tonnes rising by 11.2%, and those weighing 2.5-3.5 tonnes up 5.2% in the month.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, says: “The month of September did not disappoint, as businesses took advantage of the new 66-plate and a range of attractive and flexible finance options.”
However, he cautions: “To maintain this high level of demand and drive fleet renewal, positive business conditions must be assured despite the long-term political and economic uncertainty.”
Ford had an exceptional month, with van sales at their highest September ever (19,434 vehicles) and the second highest monthly record of all time, surpassed only by 20,735 sales in March this year.
Ford LCV sales for the year to date have passed 90,000 – more than twice the number of its nearest rival, Volkswagen at 33,889.