March CV registrations were down 753 units or 1.4% to 54,925, with strong growth in car-type pick-ups, light trucks and three-axle rigids.

'The rolling year CV registration total is over 390,000 units and we expect that trend to continue,' said Christopher Macgowan, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' chief executive.

'Investment in new vans and trucks is at a very high level and we predict total registrations will nudge last year's record total. The immediate economic outlook continues to be good, despite slower growth in consumer spending.'