NEW HEAVY goods vehicle (HGV) registrations increased by 9.5% in the first three months of 2021, according to figures released by the SMMT. The increase saw some 10,064 units, over 6 tonnes GVW, registered in the first quarter of the year, up on 2020 albeit following a weak Q1 last year when lockdown measures introduced partway through March and fluctuations in the fleet renewal cycle subdued demand. The figures are still 15.1% down on pre-pandemic levels in Q1 2019.
Articulated trucks saw the biggest increase in demand, with registrations up 25.3% to 4,528 vehicles, while rigids decreased -0.8% to 5,536 units. Tractors remain the biggest segment, making up 44.3% of the market, with 26.6% more units registered than Q1 2020. Tipper registrations also increased, up 10.8%. However, registrations of most other segments dropped, as the pandemic affected business operations.
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