VAN sales last month were enjoying a knock-on effect of the introduction of the T-plate in March with figures 1,400 units up on April last year. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that 18,758 vans were sold compared to 17,364 in April 1998.

Sales in the under-1.8 tonnes category totalled 6,650 (April 1998: 6,373) but the 4.3% rise still means that sector sales so far this year at 27,045 are below last year's equivalent total. In the 1.8-3.5 tonne sector, last month's sales totalled 12,108 — 10.2% up on April 1998. Sector sales for the year remain below last year's figure at 47,531 (1998: 48,120).