PANEL van sales continue to keep commercial vehicle sales above 1997 levels, according to new sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. September's results reveal 12,723 vans in the 1.8-3.5 tonne sector were registered last month - up from 11,316 in September last year, taking sector sales for the year-to-date to 111,989 (99,067).

Meanwhile, figures for light vans - under 1.8 tonnes - reveal September sales were 6,647 (7,356) taking 1998 sales to 63,333 (1997: 63,363). However, there was a warning from UK van manufacturer LDV that the market will slow down for the remainder of the year in terms of both registrations and order activity.