UK truck sales are bouncing back but are not yet at pre-pandemic levels Truck market on the up

The UK truck market grew by 9.6% in 2022, according to the latest SMMT HGV registration figures. The recovery from Coronavirus lockdowns and supply chain issues is well under way, with a total UK market size of 40,716 during the year, compared with the 2021 figure of 37,163. However, there’s still a way to go to reach the pre-pandemic level of 48,535 reported in 2019.

Although all weight classes have increased, by far the biggest growth in 2022 has been in sales of 3-axle tractors, up 24.5% compared with the previous year. The overall figure for rigids is almost static, although a 4.4% decline in the 6- to 16-tonne sector was compensated for by an increase in the number of heavier rigids. Looking at the most popular body types, curtainsiders are up noticeably, with smaller increases for tippers and RCVs, while box vans are down slightly.

Turning to the market by brand, DAF Trucks is still the runaway leader, increasing its share by a full percentage point to 32.1% with 13,068 registrations, up from last year’s 11,547. The chase for second place sees Volvo reversing positions

UK MARKET BY SHARE – 6 TONNES AND ABOVE

with Scania, while Mercedes-Benz takes best of the rest. The only one of the Big Seven to lose out is MAN, dropping both volume and share. The rise in market share will cause some celebration in Warwick as both Volvo and Renault Trucks increased year-onyear share by over 18%, although in terms of volume the Swedes are still outselling the French by more than two to one. The remaining member of the top group, Iveco, has increased its numbers and is now just outselling MAN.