According to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, van sales rose by 2.7% last month to 36,700 units.
For the first six months of this year, sales are up by 3% to 191,996 units – driven by heavy vans (2.5-3.5 tonne) which notched up a rise of almost 13% for the year to date.
The heavier vans also performed well for the month, up by 11%, and pick-ups performed strongly with monthly registrations up by more than 17%.
Lightweight results came from the small van sector, under 2 tonnes, where demand fell by almost 20% for the month. Heavy vans now dominate the LCV market, says the SMMT, with a 62.7% share.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, says: “It’s been an encouraging first half for the new LCV sector and, while growth may be slower than the record levels seen last year, the market remains strong with all the signs pointing towards a healthy performance in 2016.
“Maintaining economic certainty for van operators will be key to the sector’s ongoing success.”