HGV registrations down in second quarter – SMMT
HGV registrations fell by 11.2% in the second quarter of 2025, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
It found that 10,185 new trucks joined UK roads from April to June.
The HGV decline was driven by an 8.1% drop in demand for new tractor units, which still represent 42.2% of the market, as well as a 33.1% fall in box vans to 905 units.
Meanwhile, demand for new zero emission HGVs grew by 32.3% in the quarter, with registrations in the first half of 2025 rising 59.1% compared with the same period last year.
The SMMT has also reported that new UK bus, coach and minibus registrations surged by almost two thirds (62.5%) in the quarter with 2,968 registrations. Zero emission uptake rose by 45.3% to 616 registrations while in the first half of 2025, 1,355 zero emission buses have joined UK roads, an 81.6% increase on the same period last year.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Another quarter of decline in the new HGV market is unsurprising as the market continues to normalise, but a return to growth must happen soon, given this sector is a crucial driver of the UK economy. The highest market share yet for zero-emission trucks is positive, albeit it still represents less than one percent of the market with many operators just one buying cycle from end of sale deadlines.
“New depot infrastructure funding is welcome, and grid reform must now follow so that operators can get the chargepoints they need to confidently invest in their fleets.”
