In total, 108,456 commercial vehicles were registered in Q1, the best quarter on record.

The latest registration figures come as a huge boost to the sector, which suffered badly during the recession. In 2009, just 221,132 CVs were registered – down from 388,488 in 2007.

Demand for vans is particularly strong as home deliveries continue to grow in popularity: 97,775 vans have been registered in the past three months – 22.3% up on the same period last year – and annual registrations are now nearing an all-time high.

The past 12 months have seen 384,120 registrations, and demand is expected to remain strong in the months ahead.

The UK is also leading the way in Europe. It is the third-biggest market for vans and trucks, and surpassed its two larger rivals, Germany (+3.4%) and France (-8.1%), for growth in the first two months of the year.

The sector’s thriving performance will be in evidence at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham’s NEC this week, which will showcase the newest vehicles on the market, fitted with latest high-tech safety and low emissions systems. The show will also see a range of new products unveiled, including brand-new vehicles from Citroen, Dacia, Fiat, Mercedes-Benz and Peugeot.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Commercial vehicles are crucial to the functioning of Britain’s economy and these latest figures paint a very encouraging picture. As business confidence grows, demand for the latest vans and trucks is now back to pre-recession levels – outpacing the rest of Europe. This year’s Commercial Vehicle Show promises to mirror this success, with a huge range of new products on show.”