HGV registrations increased by 2.6% in Q2, reversing a decline seen in the first quarter of the year according to new figures.
The SMMT said growth was driven by a rise in rigid truck uptake as the market continued to normalise following the fulfilment of pent-up demand in 2023.
A total of 11,469 new HGVs entered service; rigids rose 9.7% to 6,640 units, although artic volumes declined by 5.7% to 4,829.
The weighting of the market towards rigids was reflected in the composition of the top body types, with businesses investing more in box vans (up 17.3%), curtainsiders (up 14.9%), tippers (up 11.4%) and refuse vehicles (up 14.1%), while tractor unit volumes fell 7.4%.
The SMMT added that England took most of the new HGV registrations, with volumes rising 1.6% to 9,827 units.
Northern Ireland recorded the largest growth, up by 30.6%, which saw it overtake Wales to become the UK’s third largest HGV market.
Zero emission vehicle uptake also continued to grow; uptake rose by 30% to achieve a 0.6% share of market, up from 0.4% in Q2 last year.
However, market share remains low compared with the car and van sectors.
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 its 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.”
