According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), total HGV registrations were 11,771 for Q2.
Sales for the first half of 2017 were up by 3.5% at 22,177 units – the highest half-year volume since 2008.
As well as artics, Q2 results were boosted by registrations of lighter 6- to 16-tonne rigids, up by 8.6%.
The worst performing category was two-axle artics, with sales falling by 22.5% for Q2 and by 15% for the year to date.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, says: “Commercial vehicles are critical to keeping our country moving, and with all new trucks featuring low emission Euro VI diesel technology and some of the latest safety and autonomous features, it’s great to see more of them joining British roads.
“However, while manufacturers have benefited from an increase in orders in this particular quarter, given the varying nature of fleet renewal in the sector, it is vital that government works to maintain the conditions that will give operators confidence to invest.”