CV market up 13pc in first half

Truck registrations for the first half of 2016 are almost 13 per cent up on last year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

However, growth in the second quarter, at 7.6 per cent, was down from the 19.2 per cent seen in the first quarter.

A total of 21,434 units were registered in the first half. Growth has been driven by the rigids market. Rigids up to 16 tonnes were up by 38 per cent to 4,618, while rigids over 16 tonnes were up 33 per cent to 8,609 units.

But registrations of three axle artics were down 11 per cent at 7,363 units for the first half.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “It’s encouraging to see HGV operators continuing to invest following the growth seen last year – the result of pent-up demand created by regulatory upheaval in 2014. We’re now seeing fleet renewal patterns return to normal and all the signs point towards further growth, albeit at a steadier rate.”

DAF maintained its market leadership for the first half with a 31.3 per cent share – up from its 27.3 per cent share last year. Scania was number two with a 17.2 per cent share, up slightly on last year.

Volvo was third with 12.3 per cent share, while Mercedes was fourth with 11.9 per cent.

Both Iveco and MAN have show substantial growth. MAN’s share was up from 7.6 per cent last year to 9.7 per cent this year. And Iveco was up from 6.4 per cent share in the first half of 2015 to 7.5 per cent this year.