- New HGV market declines in 2017, falling -2.6% to 45,045 units.
- Artic market remains stable, up 0.8%, while demand for rigids drops -5.0%.
- Strong growth for refuse trucks, with demand up by more than a fifth, while dropsides also show healthy 9.2% rise.
The new heavy goods vehicle (HGV) market declined -2.6% in 2017 following two years of strong growth, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 45,045 heavy trucks were registered last year, a result of fluctuating fleet buying cycles and ongoing economic uncertainty, mirroring similar declines in the new van market.
Demand for rigid vehicles declined -5.0% in the year, with a -2.1% fall in the >6-16T segment and a -6.7% decrease in registrations of >16T vehicles. Meanwhile, demand for artic vehicles remained steady, finishing the year up 0.8% at 19,510 units. Tractors continued to be the most popular choice, accounting for 43.1% of the market, while dropside trucks also boosted their share, rising 9.2%. However, refuse disposal vehicles experienced the biggest increase in demand, up 22.7% compared with 2016.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Following two years of robust growth and the long cycles involved in heavy goods fleet renewal, it’s no surprise to see deliveries fall in 2017. However, declining operator confidence is also starting to take its toll on demand. To avoid long-term disruption, government must address economic and political concerns and restore the business certainty needed for this important market to prosper.”
