VAN sales last month and for the year to date have both increased on comparative figures for 1995. Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reveal that sales of small vans in May totalled 6,638 against 5,755 for May last year, while year-to-date sales are fractionally up at 31,442 (31,320).

Van market leader Ford has seen sales in both sectors fall year-on-year. Meanwhile, almost all other van makers have seen sales rise including Fiat, Vauxhall, Iveco, LDV, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Renault, SEAT, Toyota and Volkswagen.