THE UK’s new heavy goods vehicle market rose 12.6% in 2019, with 48,535 units registered, according to figures released by the SMMT.
Increased registrations in the first half of the year, ahead of the mandatory fitment of Smart Tachographs, gave a further boost to registrations following two years of decline.
Registrations of rigid trucks grew 10.6%, driven by a double digit percentage increase in the 6-16t segment and a smaller 8.4% rise in demand for trucks over 16t. Elsewhere, the market for articulated heavy trucks also rose, up 12.6%, as 22,191 models joined UK roads, with popular three axle artics enjoying a 14.5% boost.
In 2019, tractors remained by far the most popular segment, taking 44.6% of the market, with demand growing 12.9%. Box vans and tippers also experienced growth, up 27.2% and 9.4% respectively. Meanwhile, curtainsided vehicles experienced a small decline, down 4.4% compared with the previous year.
