Van and truck registrations increased by 17.8% in 2011 to 303,097 units, as registrations in December grew 13.7% to 23,026.

Truck registrations were up 24.6% for the full year to 42,944 and by 45.3% in the month to 4,611. Van registrations increased by 16.7% to 260,153 in 2011 and rose 2.8% in December to 18,415.

"The van and truck market has enjoyed a consistent trend of growth throughout 2011, albeit from a very low base," said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. "Renewed business confidence fuelled the month-on-month rises, while innovative developments in vehicle design and technologies provided solid business reasons for companies to upgrade their vehicles in 2011."