New heavy items car (HGV) registrations declined by -8.4% within the third quarter of 2021, in response to figures launched right this moment by the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants (SMMT)
New heavy items car (HGV) registrations declined by -8.4% within the third quarter of 2021, in response to figures launched right this moment by the Society of Motor Producers and Merchants (SMMT). The lower noticed 7,715 vans registered, some 704 fewer than the Q3 2020 complete, which itself was unstable because of the results of the pandemic. It was additionally -9.8% on a very weak pre-pandemic complete in 2019, which noticed orders pulled ahead into Q2 forward of the introduction of latest good tachograph laws.
Regardless of the decline in Q3, efficiency for the 12 months to this point was nonetheless 25.3% greater than the pandemic-impacted 2020, with 27,272 automobiles registered in 2021. Nonetheless, for context, this nonetheless falls in need of the 2019 complete by -24.3%, or 8,749 vans.1
As could be anticipated given the general efficiency, most segments noticed their volumes lower in Q3 in comparison with the identical interval in 2020, with articulated vans falling by -13.4% and rigids by a extra modest -5.0%. Tractors, which stay the most well-liked car physique kind with 37.3% of the market, declined by -11.8%. On extra constructive notice, dropside lorries and tippers segments noticed progress, up by 20.4% and 11.0% respectively.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Govt, stated,
With operators nonetheless combating acute driver shortages, and international shortages of semi-conductors proscribing manufacturing, it’s disappointing, but unsurprising, to see the variety of registrations fall within the third quarter. The sector can also be going through important long-term challenges, with authorities confirming its ambition to finish the sale of all non-zero emission HGVs by 2040. Producers are investing billions into the most recent, inexperienced applied sciences, however there isn’t a single technological answer that may meet each HGV use case. Certainly, there could also be some particular and restricted situations by which electrified applied sciences are usually not but possible, so flexibility for the long run is essential. Above all else, nonetheless, the trade wants devoted HGV infrastructure, a plan for which we nonetheless await.
1: 2019 12 months to this point – 36,021
SOURCE: SMMT
