SMMT boss Paul Everitt said the sales figures illustrated “the ongoing resurgence in the market”.
Sales of vans weighing less than 2.0-tonnes grew 12.7% in May to 3331 units and were up by a more modest 5.5% in the year-to-date to 21,294.
Sales of vans in the 2.0-3.5-tonne category increased by 18.2% last month to 16,635 and rose by a substantial 33% in the year to the end of May.
Market leader Ford increased sales by 19.7% last month to 5425, Vauxhall enjoyed a strong month with sales up almost 35% to 2478 and Volkswagen posted a rise of 18% to 2891 but remains behind Ford and Vauxhall in the year-to-date.
Peugeot produced a notable performance in May with sales up 40.7% to 1756.
Mercedes endured a less successful month with registrations down by more than 11% to 1443 while Citroen dipped 1.9% to 1313 units.