Heavy goods vehicle sales down 10%
New heavy goods vehicle sales fell by 10% last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
It found that 40,504 new trucks joined UK roads in 2025, with the market contracting every quarter.
Sales of tractor units was down 4.4% to 17,758 units, the box van segment fell 28.1% to 3,949 registrations while demand for tipper and curtain-sided trucks reduced by 11.1% and 26.2% respectively.
However, new zero emission HGV uptake rose 170.5% year-on-year to reach 587 units, but this still represents just 1.4% of the market.
Economic constraints
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The new HGV market continues to normalise amid economic constraints on fleet investment, but a return to growth in 2026 is needed so that UK businesses can keep moving with the latest, cleanest vehicle technology.
“Innovative new models are helping to lift zero emission truck uptake but to unlock real growth, we need faster depot grid connections and planning approvals. Only then can more operators invest and capitalise on the benefits of zero emission fleets.”
