The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders just published UK vehicle registration data for July.

These show 20,069 vans and trucks registered in July; down 4.4% to 236,629 for the rolling year. There were 2,760 trucks registered in the month, down 25.8% to 32,115 for the rolling year. For vans the total for the month was 17,309. This means a 0.1% rise to 204,514 for the rolling year.

Truck registrations for the month were up 9.1% against last July's near record low. "The recovery in van registrations continues with truck figures also up," said Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive. "Whilst the forecast for 2011 is more positive, the prospects for the rest of the year are gloomy and we expect a near record low for trucks."

More from Robin Dickeson on +44 (0)2 073 449 222 or rdickeson@smmt.co.uk