Vehicle registrations in the light commercial vehicle market for the United Kingdom were stable in February, with a slight year-on-year growth, overall.

There was a 1.8% growth in February in the light commercial vehicle market, with 249 more vans and pickup trucks being registered in February compared with 2018, as strong market incentives boosted registrations, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). February is typically one of the year’s smallest months.

Ford vehicles were some of the top sellers in the U.K. light commercial vehicle segment in February and year-to-date, according to the release. The Ford Transit Custom was No.1, followed by the Ford Transit. In third was the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and the Ford Transit Connect landed in fourth.

Growth was driven primarily by large vans weighing between roughly 2.7 and 3.8 tons. The segment rose 4.2% to take 65% of market share, according to SMMT. Conversely, however, demand for pickups and medium-sized vans experienced declines in registrations, down 2.4% and 4.5%, respectively.

“While stability in the new van market in February is welcome news, it is important to remember that February is typically a quiet month, as buyers await the March plate change," said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. "The increase follows a turbulent few months for van registrations and the effect of ongoing political and economic uncertainty on business confidence is likely to result in further fluctuations throughout the year.”