HGV registrations below 2025 figures
New HGV registrations fell by 14.7% to 8,687 units in the second quarter of 2026, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The dip meant sales in the first half of the year were down 8.9% to 18,158 units as the market continues to soften following three years of strong post-pandemic growth.
Demand for articulated trucks was down 12.4% to 3,832 units, rigid vehicle sales fell 16.4% to 4,855 units while tractor volumes decreased by 13.7% to 3,706 units. Meanwhile, uptake of box vans and curtain-sided trucks declined 36.6% and 26.4% respectively.
Uptake of zero emission HGVs rose by 4.7% during the quarter to 90 units, raising market share from 0.8% to one per cent. However, HGV volumes in the first six months of the year were 6.6% lower than in the first six months of 2025, when uptake was supported by ZEHID funding.
Under pressure
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “After three bumper years of fleet renewal, the HGV market is now under pressure. The fact that zero emission truck uptake is outperforming the market is a crumb of comfort but at less than one per cent of the market it is not a cause for celebration.
“Government support has helped incubate this emerging market, but if the sector is to decarbonise at pace, operators need confidence – and that means addressing key barriers to investment and a technology-neutral approach that recognises the diversity and complexity of HGV use.”
