Heavy van registrations, from 2.6 to 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight, were up 16.1% for the year. Medium van registrations, 1.8 to 2.6t gvw were up 8.1% for the year. Registrations of light vans, up to 1.8 tonnes gvw, fell 3.3% for the rolling year. Despite modest growth in micro vans, light van registrations have gradually slowed. 4x4 utility registrations were down 3% on the year.

Christopher Macgowan, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said: ‘These figures show 2004 commercial vehicle registrations breaking all UK records. 2004 has been a terrific year for vans and trucks in the UK, with registrations breaking record after record.

‘Importantly, a wide range of factors drive demand, meaning it is reassuringly durable. And encouragingly, order books are strong too, so 2005 will be another very good year.’

Looking at the table below shows some interesting facts.

Ford raced ahead of the opposition with sales up to 94,671 from 81,819 last year. Second placed Vauxhall fell from 49,873 in 2003 to 48,528 in 2004, while Citroen lost its third placed slot in 2004 to Mercedes-Benz, whose sales rose from 22,239 to 24,708.

Fourth placed Renault rose from 19,382 to 21,687. Gary Whittam, commercial vehicles director, Ford of Britain, said: ‘I am immensely proud that the Ford CV product line-up continues to be so strong and our dedicated Backbone of Britain CV dealer network gets British businesses moving and keeps them moving. Being market leader is not just about sales though. Leadership is also about being a long term and committed player in the CV market. Investing in future products and leading in safety and security make Ford commercial vehicles Britain’s first choice.’

CV sales