91³ÉÈË

• 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.

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 (91³ÉÈË). 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, 91³ÉÈË 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 91³ÉÈË offers an enhanced MVRIS data service to its members. 91³ÉÈË 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 91³ÉÈË MVRIS data with DVLA data for 2018.