Heavy vans, 2.6 to 3.5t took 6.2 per cent of July’s increase while trucks were down 3.3 per cent in July and up 1.1 per cent for the year to July.

Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive, said: 'As we expected, the CV sector remains very strong, with excellent monthly growth through the year to date.

'The sector is on target to break the annual record at the year end, with vans setting the pace and the latest interest rate decision unlikely to affect CV registrations this year.'