HGV sales up nearly a third
New UK heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations increased by 30.1% in the third quarter of 2022, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The surge saw 10,034 units registered across the three months, demonstrating the best quarterly growth since the third quarter of 2021 and driving volumes up 17.3% on quarter-three figures in 2019 pre-pandemic.
Almost nine in 10 new trucks (88.5%) were registered in England, which recorded the strongest growth, up 31.6%, while Wales saw the lowest increase at 2.7%. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, the HGV market rose too, up 29.8% and 13.9% respectively.
The strong third quarter performance saw the market overcome the weaker first half of the year, driving up overall year-to-date volumes by 7.8% to 29,404 units.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Large growth in the heavy goods vehicle market is welcome amid the myriad challenges facing the sector, and signs of supply chain issues finally beginning to ease deliver hope for a more positive 2023. To maintain strong momentum, solidify recovery and drive fleet renewal, essential for delivering cleaner air in our towns and cities, the government must focus on measures to help drive demand for decarbonised heavier vehicles. This means investment in charging infrastructure that is accessible for trucks and reflective of their growth, ahead of need, while also taking a technology neutral approach as we race towards 2040 and the goal for all HGVs to be zero emission.”
