The data reveals that 10,363 new commercial vehicles over six tonnes were registered, suggesting continued business confidence, despite uncertainty that might have been expected in the face of a potential Brexit.
Demand for rigids over 16 tonnes fuelled much of the growth, seeing a 48.1% increase year on year (4,299 versus 2,903), while those in the 6—16 tonne bracket witnessed 45% growth, with 2,169 registered against 1,495 in 2015.
Tractors meanwhile saw a moderate declined of 9.3%, from 3,521 against last year’s Q1 of 3,922, driven in particular by a drop in demand for three-axle units from the previous high.
Nevertheless, tractor units remained the most popular body type for HGVs – as against box vans, tippers, curtainsiders, etc – in the first three months of the year, accounting for 38% of total heavy goods vehicles to hit British roads in Q1.
“This is a positive start to the year for the heavy truck market, with demand having stabilised following the regulatory upheaval seen in 2014,” comments SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.
“Large rigids saw more moderate growth than at the end of 2015 – a sign that the sector is set for a continued, steady period of growth,” he adds.
As for market share, overall DAF maintains its top slot, with 31.3% of the HGV market (notching up a substantial rise from last year’s figure of 25.3%), followed by Scania (18.2%), Volvo (12%), Mercedes (11.1%), MAN (9.9%), Iveco (7.3%) and Renault (4.7%).