Tractors doing the heavy lifting
The first quarter of 2016 saw the heavy goods vehicle market in the UK swell by nearly a fifth.
According to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT), new registrations grew by 19.2% during the first three months of the year compared to the same period in 2015.
More than 10,000 new commercial vehicles over six tonnes were registered in Q1, with growth driven by demand for rigids, specifically those over 16 tonnes. They recorded a 48.1% rise, making up for a marginal decline in 3-axle artic registrations.
Tractors accounted for 38% of the HGVs sold from January to March.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, ‘This is a positive start to the year for the heavy truck market, with demand having stabilised following the regulatory upheaval seen in 2014. Large rigids saw more moderate growth than at the end of 2015 – a sign that the sector is set for a continued, steady period of growth.’
