HGV registrations for Q2 2018 fall 10%

Figures produced by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) states that truck sales within the UK have fallen by just under 10%, at 10,670 registrations in Q2 of 2018. This could show public disinterest in working in the haulage sector.

The broken down figures demonstrate that the demand for artics has fallen 13.2% which is 4,365 units, with registrations for rigids declining to 6.5%.

The blame was on “a downturn in business confidence caused by ongoing political and economic uncertainty and confusion surrounding clean air zones and local regulation” according to SMMT.

Even though there was a drop by 13.1%, tractors continue to be the favourite vehicle. Currently covering more than two fifths of vehicles registrations.

Data from the first half of 2018 has similar results, down 7.8% during this time. 20,455 registrations have taken place in 2018. These results follow one of the most successful years for HGV registration in 2017, at which point demand for vehicles hit its highest point since 2008.

Speaking on the matter, SMMT chief Exec Mike Hawes stated: “While the fall in registrations follows strong demand in 2017, this quarter marks the fourth consecutive decline for the HGV market. Ongoing political and economic uncertainty, coupled with concern around a patchwork of different local authority clean air zones, has clearly had an impact. We need the right conditions to give operators confidence to invest in their fleets, ensuring this important market can continue to prosper.”

The country is full of uncertainty at this point, but no industry is more concerned than that of haulage. There are no known plans as to what will happen for international trade for hauliers following Brexit in March 2019, which could be a factor on the dropping figures. With the uncertainty of finding work on an international scale, this could have a severe impact on smaller businesses on an international scale.
 

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