The SMMT data shows that overall sales were up 14.8% in August and up 9.4% year-to-date. Van sales increased by 11.1% last month whilst truck sales rose by 29%.

Sue Robinson, director of the NFDA, commented: 'Unlike the car market, commercial vehicle sales are rarely affected by the September plate change. The only exception is pick-ups that are often purchased as private leisure vehicles. Sales of these vans followed the trend last month recording a decline in sales of 5.7%.

‘Mid and large-size vans performed very well in August recording increases in sales of 54.8% and 11.6% respectfully.

‘The truck market also performed very well last month with registrations up 29%. However the poor performance recorded during the earlier part of 2013 dragged down the year-to-date figure to -4.8%.

‘Encouragingly, after a very slow start at the beginning of the year, rigid truck sales improved in August, up by 17.8%.

‘A strong indicator for future truck sales comes from the distribution and logistics industry as high street and consumer confidence directly affects their performance. Articulated tractor sales were up 48% in August and 10.2% year to date, suggesting growing confidence in these sectors.

‘There is a general feeling in the industry that the latter half of 2013 will produce greater demand for heavy commercials driven by the price difference on Euro 5 and 6 engine trucks as well as the improvements buyer confidence and the economy.’