Figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have highlighted an ongoing upturn in the level of demand for commercial vehicles in the UK.

According to the organisation's latest monthly breakdown of registrations for August, the overall commercial vehicle market in the UK grew by 11.9 per cent, with registrations across the sector increasing by 13 per cent year on year.

The UK's van segment in particular proved strong last month, with a 22.3 per cent annual increase in demand for new vehicles in August and a 19.1 per cent rise for the industry in the year to date (192,948 units in all).

Meanwhile, the UK truck segment fared less well, with a 22 per cent annual reduction in commercial activity among buyers, although the actual number of vehicles sold still stood at 2,401 for August.

In comparison to the first eight months of 2013, the year to date has seen a 12.9 per cent increase in truck registrations to just over 50,000. This is a situation that analysts had expected and it is therefore something those monitoring the UK's commercial vehicle industry should not be that concerned with.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, commented: "Strong van registrations have led to another month of continued growth for the commercial vehicle market, with the demand for light commercial vehicles continuing to build.

"The truck market is still seeing the effects of a particularly strong end to 2013 ahead of the introduction of Euro-6. Stability will return to the market, although expectations for the year remain subdued."

Overall, businesses up and down the country continue to invest in new commercial vehicles, with the sector in general benefiting from the economic recovery that began to take hold over recent months. In total, more than 350,000 commercial vehicles have been bought by UK buyers in 2013 so far.