According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, this was driven by the demand for 6-16 tonne rigids, which recorded a rise of more than 17% in Q1, offsetting a decline of 8% for rigids over 16 tonnes.
Registrations of artics matched 2016 levels, up 0.5% to 3,914 units, which tractors were the most popular body type in the first three months of the year, accounting for 37.6% of new HGVs on the roads.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, described it as “welcome news, particularly as it follows such a strong first quarter in 2016”.
He added: “Almost all HGVs are powered by diesel and, thanks to heavy investment by industry, the latest Euro 6 commercial vehicles hitting our roads today are the cleanest and safest ever.”
