New van registrations reached a 20-year high in November, according the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Figures show that 29,784 new vans hit the road last month, with lighter vans (2-2.5 tonne) seeing the biggest increase (43.1%).

Ford is the most popular LCV manufacturer with more than 106,000 registrations so far this year, and Volkswagen the second with 41,900.

Demand for pick-ups also continued to rise by a significant 36.7%, while heavier vans were less popular with registrations falling for the second consecutive month (-4.4%).

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “The new van market’s growth in November is welcome news and an encouraging sign of ongoing business confidence. With almost 350,000 light commercials registered so far this year, the sector remains on track to beat 2015’s record-breaking performance. For this success to continue in 2017 and beyond, however, it is essential that the economic conditions that have kept this sector so buoyant in recent years are maintained.”