91ÖÆƬ³§¹ÙÍø

• New HGV registrations increase 12.6% in 2019 following regulatory changes.
• Demand grows for popular tractor and box vans, up 12.9% and 27.2% respectively.
• Markets for both rigid and artic trucks rise, with a total 48,535 vehicles joining UK roads.

SEE HGV REGISTRATIONS BY BRAND

DOWNLOAD PRESS RELEASE AND DATA TABLE

The UK’s new heavy goods vehicle (HGV) market rose 12.6% in 2019, with 48,535 units registered, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (91ÖÆƬ³§¹ÙÍø). Increased registrations in the first half of the year, ahead of the mandatory fitment of Smart Tachographs, gave a further boost to registrations following two years of decline.

Registrations of rigid trucks grew 10.6%, driven by a double-digit percentage increase in the >6-16T segment and a smaller 8.4% rise in demand for trucks >16T. Elsewhere, the market for articulated heavy trucks also rose, up 12.6%, as 22,191 models joined UK roads, with popular 3-axle artics enjoying a 14.5% boost.

In 2019, tractors remained by far the most popular segment, taking 44.6% of the market, with demand growing 12.9%. Box vans and tippers also experienced growth, up 27.2% and 9.4% respectively. Meanwhile, curtain sided vehicles experienced a small decline, down -4.4% compared with the previous year.

Mike Hawes, SMMTChief Executive, said,

A strong year for truck registrations is welcome news for the industry. While fluctuating fleet buying cycles and regulatory changes had a role to play, heavy goods manufacturer investment into the latest low emission technology is making these vehicles increasingly attractive to fleet operators. New HGVs will play a vital role in improving air quality so our aim should be to get more of these high-tech, low emission vehicles onto our roads – and for that we need the right conditions to give operators confidence to continue to invest in their fleets.