- Demand for new HGVs remains stable in Q1 2017, up 0.4% on same quarter last year.
- Rigid and artic segments remain buoyant following exceptional growth in 2016, up 0.4% and 0.5% respectively.
- 10,406 vehicles registered in first quarter, matching strong levels of 2016.
SEE HGV REGISTRATIONS BY BRAND
The new HGV (heavy goods vehicle) market in the UK remained steady in the first quarter of 2017, according to figures released by SMMT. More than 10,000 new commercial vehicles over six tonnes were registered in the first three months of the year, a 0.4% increase compared with Q1 2016.
Demand for rigid vehicles grew 0.4, with a 17.2% rise in the >6-16T segment offsetting a -8.1% decline in the >16T segment. Meanwhile, registrations of artic vehicles matched 2016 levels, up 0.5% to 3,914 units. Tractors were the most popular body type for HGVs in the first three months of the year, accounting for 37.6% of the heavy goods vehicles that hit British roads in Q1.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,
The stable start to the year for the heavy truck market is welcome news, particularly as it follows such a strong first quarter in 2016. HGVs are essential for transporting goods around the country and are vital for the UK economy. Almost all HGVs are powered by diesel, and thanks to heavy investment by industry the latest Euro VI CVs hitting our roads today are the cleanest and safest ever.
