January CV registrations were 26,233, up 4.6 per cent over 2004, with growth still based on medium to heavy van segment.

'These figures show CV registrations still growing strongly after a record year, with light vans making the running as usual,' said Christopher Macgowan, SMMT chief executive.

'We already think 2005 is going to be another memorable year for vans, trucks and buses, which is doubly good news as the CV market is also a very reliable indicator of the nation's economic and business health.'