Commercial vehicle registrations in the UK reached a record 423,894 units in 2015, up 16.7% year on year.
Last year was the best ever for vans with 371,830 registrations, up 15.6% and passing the previous record set in 2007. Truck sector demand rose up by 25.5% to 52,064.
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A steep curve in growth since 2012 has seen the CV market overtake pre-recession levels with a total of 423,894 vehicles registered in 2015.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said growth was fuelled by the van sector, where demand was buoyed by the ongoing online shopping boom and attractive finance deals.
Trucks returned to form for the sector following a slower year in 2014 after regulatory upheaval resulted in a distortion of fleet renewal patterns.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "This is excellent news for the commercial vehicle industry, and indeed the economy, with registrations of both vans and trucks posting strong gains. CV demand is a key barometer of UK economic confidence and the market's strong growth in 2015 was particularly encouraging. However, with these record figures in mind, we will expect to see the market levelling off slightly in 2016."
