Truck registrations up in first quarter

HGV registrations were up by 9.5% in the first three months of 2021 compared to 2020, but were still significantly down on 2019 levels, according to new figures.

Statistics released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), showed that 10,064 units registered in the first quarter of the year, up on 2020, although last year’s figures were particularly weak due to the first lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic being announced in March, allied to fluctuations in the fleet renewal cycle. Registrations for 2021 were 15% down on levels for the first three months of 2019.

Artics saw the biggest increase in demand, with registrations up 25.3% to 4,528 vehicles, while the rigid market decreased by 0.8% to 5,536 units. Tractors remain the biggest segment, making up 44.3% of the market, with 26.6% more units registered than in the first quarter of 2020. Tipper registrations also increased, up 10.8%. However, registrations of most segments dropped, as the pandemic affected business operations, suppressing demand for most of the past year.