HGV registrations fall for fifth consecutive quarter
HGV registrations fell 14.5% in the third quarter and is now down 12.5% year-to-date, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
It found that HGV registrations decreased to 9,272 new trucks between July and September. This was the fifth consecutive quarter of falling sales.
The HGV contraction included reduced demand for tractor units, down by 2.2% to 3,966 units, while the box van segment was down 38.7% to 899 units. The tipper and curtain-sided segments also fell, by 10.1% and 38.1% respectively, although demand for new refuse disposal trucks was up 9.5%.
More positively, new zero emission HGV uptake quadrupled by 341.2% to 225 units in the third quarter to achieve a record 2.4% market share, with ZEV volumes up 145.8% in the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in 2024.
HGV registrations
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “New HGV uptake continues to normalise amid a tough economic backdrop so while another quarter of decline is unsurprising, returning to growth is important to keep businesses moving via the very latest, greenest models. Industry continues to invest significantly in zero emission rollout, and rising operator uptake is positive – but more substantial volume growth depends on infrastructure rollout.
“Fast-tracking depot grid connections, in particular, is critical to help operators plan and invest – and for manufacturers to continue delivering the green growth Britain needs.”
