According to data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) new HGV registrations were up 2.6% in Q2 this year. This saw 11,469 new HGVs hit the road, boosted by a rise in rigid sales. Compared to the same period last year rigid market share was up from 54.2% to 57.9% and growth for this quarter was 9.7% totalling 6640 units. In comparison, artic sales dropped by 5.7% to 4829 units.
Different body types showed rigids were the most popular with box vans up by 17.3%, curtainsiders up by 14.9% and tippers up by 11.4%. Refuse vehicles also saw an increase in sales, up by 14.1% while tractor units were down by 7.4%.
Looking at demand across the UK, the most new HGVs were registered in England, up by 1.6% to total 9827 units. The largest growth market was Northern Ireland where sales were up by 30.6%, this uptick saw Northern Ireland overtake Wales to become the UK’s third largest HGV market.
Zero emission vehicles also experienced a positive upwards trend with sales showing 30% growth during Q2. This increased the market share for zero emission vehicles to 0.6%, up from 0.4% in Q2 last year. Compared to cars and vans, the proportion of zero emission HGVs is still very low, signalling this is a much harder area of transport to decarbonise.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The truck market’s return to growth after a slower start to the year demonstrates its robustness and resilience – particularly as overall uptake continues to keep pace with last year and the pent-up demand that fuelled volumes. The UK’s place as Europe’s second largest zero emission truck market also demonstrates Britain’s potential to be a leader in the ZEV truck transition. Delivering that ambition, however, requires compelling incentives and infrastructure which will put operators on a confident path to 2035 and beyond.”
