The latest data from Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that 29,784 new vans hit the roads last month –the highest on record.

The figures show that overall year-to-date market remains strong, up 2.1% to 348,448 units. A 43.1% uplift in smaller vans weighing 2.0-2.5T drove growth in the month, while demand for versatile pick-ups also continued to rise – by a significant 36.7%. Demand for heavier vans, however fell for the second consecutive month, with registrations for vehicles weighing 2.5-3.5T down -4.4%. Despite this fall the year-to-date figures for this segment remains strong, up 7.0% in the first 11 months of the year, and accounting for 62% of the market.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “The new van market’s growth in November is welcome news and an encouraging sign of ongoing business confidence. With almost 350,000 light commercials registered so far this year, the sector remains on track to beat 2015’s record-breaking performance. For this success to continue in 2017 and beyond, however, it is essential that the economic conditions that have kept this sector so buoyant in recent years are maintained.”