The Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT) has released the latest figures for the UK market for new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). It shows a growth by 17.2% to 11,174 units in the second quarter of 2023, the fifth consecutive quarter of growth.
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By region, operators in South East England registered the most new trucks (20.6% of the total), followed by those in the North West (13.5%) and Yorkshire & Humberside (11.9%).
Rising demand and easing supply chain restrictions helped HGV registrations grow by 17.1% in the first half of 2023 to 22,691 units – surpassing typical pre-pandemic levels.
Five successive quarters of market growth demonstrates the confidence of HGV operators in renewing their fleets with the latest fuel-efficient trucks.
This includes zero emission models, with electric and hydrogen HGVs representing 0.4% of the market, up from 0.3% in Q1 this year.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Growing confidence for fleet investment is also translating into new zero emission truck demand, demand which must grow still faster if the UK’s green goals are to be achieved.”
He added: “Accelerating this transition, however, requires dedicated HGV charging and refuelling infrastructure and incentives to encourage uptake and depot upgrades. Doing so can help Britain become the world’s first decarbonised truck sector. There is no time to delay.”
