The UK market for new light commercial vehicles increased by 13.1%, or 31,432 units, in 2013. In total, 271,073 sub- 3.5-tonne vans and pick-up trucks were registered during the year, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The new Ford Transit is expected to help LCV registrations exceed 280,000 in 2014

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said he believed van owners and operators responded positively to the wider economic recovery and supported the market by purchasing. He expects forthcoming launches of several new LCVs to deliver further growth for the sector in 2014.

Demand for LCVs has improved steadily since 2009, when the market was down to 186,386 annual registrations. More than 280,000 LCV registrations are likely for 2014, and the SMMT is expected to revise its full-year forecast upwards.

The breakdown of the 2013 year-end data suggests an upturn in the house-building industry and growth in internet shopping have benefitted the market, with demand for pick-ups such as the Mitsubishi L200 and medium-sized vans such as the Ford Transit Custom growing at the fastest rates. However, large vans of between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes contributed the largest growth in volume, with 15,930 more registered than in 2012.