Truck market accelerates as buses and coaches fall to lowest level on record
Thursday, February 17, 2022 12:05 PM
Growth in industry sectors such as construction has led to a year-on-year increase in the heavy-duty truck market.
Truck registrations rose 12.9% in 2021, compared to a lockdown-induced drop of 32.2% in 2020, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
As demand exceeded supply, 37,163 units were registered, 57.1% were rigid trucks, while 42.9 were articulated trucks. Both segments saw a significant increase, rising 11.8% and 14.4% respectively from 2020 levels.
With a market share of 42.1%, tractors became the most popular type of heavy-duty truck, while van registrations fell slightly by 1.2%.
“With so much of our economy dependent on heavy-duty trucks, the return to market growth is welcome news, as getting more state-of-the-art, high-tech, low-emission trucks on the roads is essential to improve both air quality and climate change,” the SMMT chief said. executive Mike Hawes.
Fossil fuels still make up 99.8% of all trucks, as the development of heavy-duty specific green technologies still lags far behind the passenger car market.
“Manufacturers are investing billions in these technologies, including battery power, hydrogen and other alternative fuels, but operators will need clarity, affordability and evidence on a dedicated infrastructure plan to their needs if this transition is to be made in time,” he added/
The data comes on the same day as the SMMT reported demand for buses and coaches fell 16.8%, the trade association’s lowest level since 1996.
Total registrations were 3,467 vehicles, including only 883 in the fourth quarter, as the pandemic continues to impact ridership levels across the country.
“The pandemic has continued to undermine the bus and coach market, with the latest numbers a wake-up call,” Hawes said. “The sector, and the millions of people who rely on it for essential mobility, are at a critical juncture as Covid-19 has led to a drop in ridership which, in turn, has hurt investment demand. in new fleets.”
