HGV registrations down a third
Registrations of new heavy goods vehicles (HGV) declined by 32.2% in 2020.
According to new figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), registrations fell to the weakest demand since 2010.
Some 32,918 units were registered during the year, 57.7% of which were rigids, while 42.3% were articulated trucks, similar to market splits seen in 2017 and 2018.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “From September, truck utilisation began to exceed pre-pandemic levels – but registrations continued to fall. Operators have been sweating their existing assets given the ongoing uncertainty from lockdown, and an underlying structural decline in the market given many would have renewed their fleet in 2019.
“Following such a tumultuous year, where the industry has acquitted itself well under the circumstances, it is vital that operators can have confidence restored so they can invest in the latest low-emission vehicles, helping the country to deliver on its green goals while ensuring the economy, and society, continues to move.”
