UK van and truck registrations for November experienced the biggest increase of the year – 35.2%, at 22,834 – and are 253,244 for the rolling year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Vans were up 26.1% to 19,128 in November and up 16.5% to 219,866 for the rolling year. Trucks rose nearly 80% to 3,706 in November, though the rolling year total is still down 8.8% at 33,378.
That big rise versus last year follows the market distortion caused by people buying new trucks ahead of the move to Euro 5 in October 2009.
"Van registrations have grown since February, whilst trucks surged recently, led by three-axle tractor demand, typically for rental and contract hire work," said SMMT boss, Paul Everitt.
He said next year will be "challenging" with some growth, but with numbers "well down" on pre-recession levels.