The UK’s heavy good (HGV) market rose by 46.3% in the second quarter of 2019, with 15,605 units registered, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The mandatory fitment of Smart Tachographs helped the second-quarter increase, further adding to the first-quarter registrations.

Registrations of rigid trucks grew by 51.9%, with both the >6-16T and >16T segments experiencing growth. There was growth for articulated vehicles, which was up a significant amount from 38.1% to 6,031 units.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “A second strong quarter for truck registrations is certainly welcome news, however the swell in market size is undoubtedly due to operators choosing to expand their fleet ahead of the introduction of additional regulation.

“This significant performance means we may see the market level out throughout the second half of the year, especially given the role ongoing political and economic uncertainty could play in deterring further commitments to big fleet purchases.”

Most body types saw a rise in registrations, with tractors proving the most popular, with the demand growing 34.0%.

Tanker truck and tower wagon registrations have more than doubled since Q2 2018, which is up by 109.3% and 111.1% respectively.

A year-to-year overview provided similar statistics, with the market showing growth of 34.3% to 27,464 units being registered this year compared to the previous year.

Both rigid truck and articulated vehicle registrations saw significant growth, with 33.5% and 35.3% each, while tractors and tippers remained the best-selling HGV.

The HGV sales increase was recently helped by Manheim’s drive-through auction at Bruntingthorpe, which reported sales just under £1 million recently.

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