Van and truck registrations were up by 8.8% to 43,442 units in September, with the rolling year up 20.9% to 293,703 units.

Meanwhile, van registrations were up by 9.4% to 38,644 units, building on the strong performance seen throughout the year.

The >2.0t portion of the market performed particularly well, as the changing requirements of the market continued to play out and LEZ considerations push operators of older vehicles to upgrade.

Looking to the future, the economic outlook is uncertain and further growth relies on government’s ability to sustain an investment-led recovery through targeted incentives and encouragement of private spending on R&D, skills, plant and machinery.

"Confidence returned to the commercial vehicle market in 2011 and the September market continues the upward trend, growing 8.8% on last year," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive.

"The future state of the economy is certainly a concern, but it's clear that owners and operators are currently investing in new, fuel-efficient vehicles to help weather the storm of high fuel prices."