- New heavy goods vehicle registrations fall -14.7% in Q2, with
8,687 trucks joining UK roads.
- First half demand down -8.9% to 18,158 units with fleet
renewal constrained by tough economic conditions.
- Zero emission HGV uptake edges up 4.7% in Q2 but is down
-6.6% year to date, representing less than one in 100 new trucks.
- Industry calls for measures to boost operator confidence,
infrastructure delivery and technology neutrality to accelerate
decarbonisation.
New heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations fell by -14.7% in the
second quarter of 2026, with 8,687 new trucks joining UK roads,
according to the latest figures published today by the Society of
Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The performance pushed
first half demand down -8.9% to 18,158 units, as the market
continues to soften following three years of strong post-pandemic
growth, with fleet operators balancing vehicle renewal against
wider business cost pressures.
Demand was weak across articulated trucks, down -12.4% to 3,832
units, and rigid vehicles, down -16.4% to 4,855 units. Tractor
units remained the largest segment, accounting for more than two
in five new HGVs registered despite volumes falling -13.7% to
3,706 units. Uptake of box vans and curtain-sided trucks also
declined, down -36.6% and -26.4% respectively, while uptake of
tippers and refuse disposal vehicles bucked the overall trend,
growing by 12.7% and 27.0%.
While overall market demand weakened, uptake of zero emission
HGVs rose slightly during the quarter. Registrations increased by
4.7%, although at 90 units, this represents a small volume
increase, raising market share from 0.8% to 1.0% compared with
the same period last year. Nevertheless, ZEV HGV volumes have
fallen -6.6% in the first six months compared with last year,
when uptake was supported by ZEHID funding. As a result, market
share for the year remains static at 0.9%, highlighting the scale
of the challenge facing the sector's transition.
Manufacturers are delivering a growing range of ZEV models, but
uptake remains constrained by the higher upfront cost of vehicles
and challenges around depot and network infrastructure. Long
waits for grid connections and limited public charging provision
continue to hamper adoption despite government support through
measures such as the Plug-In Truck Grant, Depot Charging Scheme
and the ZEHID programme. Faster grid connections, accelerated
depot planning approvals and a long-term national infrastructure
strategy would help support uptake across a sector characterised
by diverse vehicle types and operating requirements, while also
boosting operator confidence.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
"After three bumper years of fleet renewal, the HGV market is
now under pressure. The fact that zero emission truck uptake is
outperforming the market is a crumb of comfort but at less than
1% of the market it is not a cause for celebration. Government
support has helped incubate this emerging market, but if the
sector is to decarbonise at pace, operators need confidence and
that means addressing key barriers to investment and a
technology-neutral approach that recognises the diversity and
complexity of HGV use.
