Figures from the Society and Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) reveal that there were 11,546 van registrations in January, down 1.7% compared to January 2009.
Overall, registrations for vans and trucks totalled 13,099 in January, equating to 219,450 vehicles for the rolling year, down 34.5%.
“New van and truck registrations continue to reflect a weak economic recovery and businesses reluctant to commit to new investment," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.
"These are the lowest January truck registrations since 1992, leaving most truck makers very disappointed at the slow start to the year.
“It is extremely important that government uses the upcoming Budget to encourage new investment in capital goods and help re-build business confidence."