According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, nearly 100,000 vans have been registered in the first three months of 2015, a 22.3% increase for the same period last year, due to continued growth in online shopping.
Figures show that UK online sales reached £103 million in 2014 and are predicted to increase by 12% in 2015 to £1 in every £4 spent by the UK shopper, according to the IMRG Capgemini e-Retail Sales Index.
In a statement by SMMT, they said "Van registrations have risen consistently over the past two years, mainly as a result of steadily increasing business confidence and a range of attractive finance deals. The move towards online shopping and home deliveries is an important contributor to this growth - particularly that of large vans."
Car manufacturer Ford came out on top with regard to van sales with the mid-sized Transit Custom being the favourite, selling 12,627. In second place was the Vauxhall Vivaro selling 7,449 and in third place was Volkswagen Transporter selling 5,765.
SMMT chief executive, Mike Hawes commented "Commercial vehicles are crucial to the functioning of Britain's economy and these latest figures paint a very encouraging picture. As business confidence grows, demand for the latest vans and trucks is now back to pre-recession levels - outpacing the rest of Europe."
