VAN sales were up in 2000 as the LCV market produced its best performance for 11 years. Total sales were 239,482 while light vans (up to 1,800kg) showed a huge rise in December, up 20.6% year on year to 4,203. Sales of vans between 1,801kg and 3,500kg were also up from 143,027 to 152,935.

Ford maintained its overall lead in the LCV sector for the 22nd year, boosted by the new Transit. Among the main van makers in the UK, Citroen showed the largest growth with 28%, becoming the fourth largest van manufacturer behind Ford, Mercedes-Benz and Vauxhall.

LDV achieved growth of 6.5%, giving it a full year volume of more than 15,000 and a market share of 10.1%.The launch of Iveco's Daily City Truck which was voted International Van of the Year helped boost sales in the year 2000.