Truck registrations up in first quarter of 2021

Truck registrations increased by 9.5% in the first quarter of 2021, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The first three months of the year saw 10,064 units registered with the increase attributable to a week first quarter in 2020 due to lockdown measures introduced partway through March.

Changes in fleet renewal cycles as a result of the pandemic also lowered demand resulting in Q1 2021 figures being -15.1% down on Q1 2019.

Tractor units were the biggest winners with registrations up 25.3% to 4,528 vehicles, while rigids saw a declilne of -0.8% to 5,536 registrations. Tractors units were the biggest segment, with a 44.3% share of the market. Tipper registrations also increased, up 10.8%.

SMMT Chief Executive, Mike Hawes, said, “The rise in truck registrations is welcome news but it does not yet signify full recovery, especially as it’s in comparison with a quarter when the first lockdown was introduced. Likewise, the nature of the fleet buying cycle for the HGV market can mean that a large fleet order can have a significant impact on any quarterly figures. However, fleet renewal remains the quickest way to get more of the newest, cleanest vehicles on UK roads, particularly as we strive to meet our collective environmental goals. A plan for a charging and refuelling network suitable for HGVs is pivotal for the transition to these new technologies.”