New HGV sales bounce back after slow start to 2024

New HGV sales in the UK rose 2.6% between April and June, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

This comes after a decline in sales in the first quarter of the year.

Spring saw 11,469 new HGVs enter service, with growth driven by a rise in rigid truck uptake. Rigids rose 9.7% to reach 6,640 units, taking a 57.9% market share, while artic volumes were down by 5.7% to 4,829 units.

Meanwhile, zero emission vehicle (ZEV) uptake also continued to grow, buoyed by ever-expanding choice. Uptake rose by 30% to achieve a 0.6% share of market, up from 0.4% in the same period last year.

New HGV sales

But market share remains low and with just over a decade to go until the end of sale of non-ZEV HGVs weighing less than 26 tonnes, operators, facing a limited grant system and lacklustre rollout of HGV-specific charging facilities, are facing an uphill struggle to meet targets.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said:

“The truck market’s return to growth after a slower start to the year demonstrates its robustness and resilience – particularly as overall uptake continues to keep pace with last year and the pent-up demand that fuelled volumes. The UK’s place as Europe’s second largest zero emission truck market also demonstrates Britain’s potential to be a leader in the ZEV truck transition. Delivering that ambition, however, requires compelling incentives and infrastructure which will put operators on a confident path to 2035 and beyond.”