The figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal that registrations represented some two-thirds of the quarter's total volume, with almost 99,000 new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) hitting British roads in the year to date – up 1.2% on the same period in 2015.
SMMT found that the trend towards heavier vehicles continued, with a substantial 14.2% rise in the 2.5-3.5T segment last month, counteracting a decline in registrations of vans weighing less than 2.5T. The 3.5-6T truck sector saw registrations fall slightly by 1.9%, while demand for pickups showed a 5.3% gain in March.
Commenting on the performance, Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “Traditionally one of the busiest months of the year for the new British van market, March's new 16 plate gave a welcome boost, closing the first quarter on a positive note after a more subdued start to the year. Following the sector's record performance set in 2015, we expect to see steadier growth over the coming months.”
Best selling commercial vehicles
| Manufacturer | March | Manufacturer | Year-to-Date |
| Ford | 20,367 | Ford | 31,130 |
| Volkswagen | 6,369 | Volkswagen | 10,362 |
| Peugeot | 6,286 | Vauxhall | 10,089 |
| Vauxhall | 6,279 | Peugeot | 9,518 |
| Citroën | 5,465 | Citroën | 8,595 |
Source: SMMT