September's light commercial vehicle registrations were up 14.5% year-on-year at 37,175 units, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Sales for the first nine months were 4.6% higher year-on-year and the SMMT forecasts that total commercial vehicle sales are likely to top last year's 298,043.

LCVs took an 80.6% share of the commercial vehicle market in September with most growth seen in the heavier 2.6-3.5 tonne category which was 17.8% higher for the month and 6.5% up for the year to date.

Ford's Transit had its best month since August 1998 with 8,350 sales. This takes sales of new Transit – launched in April last year – over the 50,000 mark to 55,226. (October 23, 2001)