In the third quarter of 2023, new heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations in Britain witnessed a significant increase of 14.9%, with a total of 11,531 units joining the country’s roads. This marks the sixth consecutive quarter of growth and the highest number of new HGV deliveries since the end of 2019. The surge in registrations reflects the continued investment by operators in the latest, most efficient, and environmentally friendly truck technology available in the market.
The demand for rigid HGVs, which are typically used for heavy-duty purposes, rose by 13.9% to 6,293 units, while the demand for articulated trucks experienced a strong growth of 16.1% to 5,238 units. Tractors, the most popular truck body type, accounted for 44.5% of the market share, witnessing a 16.4% increase. Additionally, box vans, curtain-sided trucks, and refuse vehicles also saw notable growth in registrations.
Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland all experienced increased truck fleet renewal, with Scotland witnessing a 16.5% rise, Wales experiencing a 9.2% increase, and Northern Ireland recording the highest growth of 64.6%. The South East region of England, home to some of the country’s largest ports, remained the top location for truck investment with 2,438 new HGVs entering service, representing 21.2% of the total registrations.
While the market saw a record market share for zero emission trucks, the overall uptake still remains relatively low compared to the ambitious target for 2035. Zero emission vehicles accounted for only 0.8% of the market share in Q3, urging the need to accelerate the transition to greener alternatives. However, HGV operators face challenges in making the switch due to concerns over the lack of public chargepoint infrastructure needed to support a smooth transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What was the growth rate of HGV registrations in Q3 2023?
The growth rate of HGV registrations in Q3 2023 was 14.9% in Britain.
2. Which types of HGVs saw the strongest demand?
Rigid HGVs and articulated trucks witnessed the strongest demand, with growth rates of 13.9% and 16.1% respectively.
3. What percentage of the market share do zero emission trucks hold?
Zero emission trucks accounted for 0.8% of the market share in Q3 2023.
4. Which region in the UK had the highest number of new HGV registrations?
The South East region of England had the highest number of new HGV registrations, with 2,438 units entering service, representing 21.2% of the total registrations.
5. What are the challenges faced by HGV operators in transitioning to zero emission vehicles?
HGV operators face challenges related to the lack of public chargepoint infrastructure, which hinders their ability to make the switch to zero emission vehicles.