Year-to-date registrations are up 7 per cent at 361,453 vehicles. And a new annual record of over 390,000 is likely at year-end says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

'Another great month for commercial vehicle registrations in November means we are almost certain to set a new CV registration record at the end of the year. The strong, sustained investment in new vans and trucks shows little sign of slackening and good order books suggest that 2005 will be memorable too,'SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said.

'This growth means the UK remains the second largest CV market in the EU.'