Strong growth for HGV market

The heavy goods vehicle market jumped 46 per cent in second quarter as operators went on a buying spree ahead of the mandatory fitment of smart tachographs in June.

As a result, registrations in the first half of the year were up 34 per cent on 2018 at 27,464 units, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Growth was particularly strong for rigids between 6 and 16 tonnes – up 37.6 per cent to 5,464 units. Registrations of rigids over 16 tonnes were up 31.4 per cent to 10,267.

Registrations of artics were up 35.3 per cent to 11,551.

DAF Trucks maintained its position as market leader in the first half with a share of 27.6 per cent. It was followed by Mercedes at 17.7 per cent, Scania at 15.3 per cent and Volvo and 14.7 per cent.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes warned: “This significant performance means we may see the market level out throughout the second half of the year, especially given the role on-going political and economic uncertainty could play in deterring further commitments to big fleet purchases.”