The news comes as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) releases the HGV figures for the second quarter of 2016, during which registrations rose by 7.6%.
It is the fifth quarter of consecutive growth for the sector.
Continuing a trend set in Q1, rigids drove growth for the second quarter, with registrations of vehicles in the 6- to 16-tonne segment and those weighing in at more than 16 tonnes experiencing significant growth, up 25.5% and 20.5% respectively.
The rise offset declining demand for three-axle artics – down 11.4% – while tractor units were the most popular body type, accounting for almost 40% of the HGVs sold in Q2.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, described the results as “encouraging”, adding: “We’re now seeing fleet renewal patterns return to normal and all the signs point towards further growth, albeit at a steadier rate [than last year].”
Separately, the SMMT released figures for the bus and coach sector, also for Q2 2016. Registrations soared by almost 27%, driven by demand for double-decker buses which saw a rise of almost 58% compared with the same quarter of 2015.
Minibuses and single-deckers also performed well for the quarter, up by 17.5% and 24.9% respectively.
Hawes said the “resurgent demand” was good news, but cautioned: “For the market to remain steady, operators, manufacturers and local authorities now need more clarity surrounding the details of the devolution of bus franchising to local authorities via the Bus Services Bill.”