HGVs Registrations SMMT News

New HGV market up a fifth in Q1 2019

16 May 2019 #HGVs #Registrations #SMMT News
  • UK new heavy goods vehicle registrations increase by 21.2% in Q1, following negative performance in 2018.
  • Growing demand for Rigid and Artic trucks, up 12.9% and 32.3% respectively.
  • Tractors remain most popular body type, growing 30.2% to take almost half of the market.

HGV registrations quarter 1 2019

The UK’s new heavy goods vehicle (HGV) market increased 21.2% in the first quarter of 2019, with 11,859 units registered, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). A number of large orders and strong market incentives helped drive registrations following flat performances in 2017 and 2018.

Registrations of Rigid trucks grew by 12.9%, with both the >6-16T and >16T segments experiencing growth. Meanwhile, demand for articulated vehicles also rose, up a significant 32.3% to 5,520 units.

The majority of body types saw a rise in registrations, including Tractors, the most popular segment, with demand growing 30.2%. Tippers and Box Vans also experienced uplifts, of 18.2% and 64.4% respectively.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,

The significant rise in truck registrations is certainly welcome news but it is important to remember that large fleet orders can have a big impact on this relatively small volume market. Despite the increase in demand, ongoing political and economic uncertainty is still a significant factor for businesses and we may see the market level out throughout 2019.

Notes to Editors

1. From January 2019 SMMT offers an enhanced MVRIS data service to its members. SMMT will continue to publish data on a quarterly basis, enabling us to better reflect the long-term trends in these low volume markets. To ensure the most accurate data is published, 2019 HGV figures compare SMMT MVRIS data with DVLA data for 2018.

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