NEW heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations dropped by 32.2% in 2020, according to figures by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The decline, which led to the weakest demand since 2010, is attributed to both the pandemic and a bumper 2019 when new smart tachograph legislation led to a 12.6% increase in CV sales.
Some 32,918 units over six tonnes were registered during the year, 57.7% of which were rigids, while 42.3% were articulated trucks. The industry recorded declines in both types of truck, with 7,352 fewer rigids (-27.9%) and 8,265 fewer artics (-37.2%) registered.
Ultimately, the significant fall in demand in Q2 (-73.4%) dragged down the entire year’s performance. However, progress with vaccinations and clarity over Brexit provide reasons for optimism in 2021, said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.
However the final quarter of 2020 brought some good truck sales news.
Several manufacturers reported an increase. Iveco registered 847 vehicles, up 14.6%, and Renault Trucks sold 681, a 14.3% increase.
Other winners included Dennis Eagle, up 13.3% to 256, and Fuso, who registered 116 in 2020 Q4, up nine units compared to the final three months of 2019.
Across the four nations sales during the fourth quarter was down 10.9% to 11,155 compared to 2019, with the Scottish market outperforming everyone else as it was down just 3%.
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