SALES of both car-derived and panel vans leapt last month but year-to-date sales remain behind 1998 figures, according to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders statistics. Business in the sub-1.8-tonne category, where 11,531 vehicles were registered, increased 76.1% on September 1998's total of 6,547. Meanwhile, sales of 1.8-3.5-tonne vehicles increased 59.6% to 20,303 last month from 12,723 in September last year.

However, despite the increases year-to-date figures show small van sales down 2.3% from 63,333 last year to 61,875 this year and large category sales down 2.9% to 108,728 from 111,989. Of the leading van manufacturers Citroen, Daihatsu, Fiat, Vauxhall, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Skoda, Tata and Volvo have all seen sales rise.