UK Truck Demand Picking Up

Aug. 2, 2013
Truck manufacturers are anticipating busier order books in the second half of the year thanks to new models and impending new emissions regulations, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Truck manufacturers are anticipating busier order books in the second half of the year thanks to new models and impending new emissions regulations, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Daimler, Scania and Volvo have all said that demand has been picking up, despite weak economic conditions continuing.

Orders delayed from the first half of 2013 are now being placed as buyers want to avoid more expensive versions of vehicles that will be necessary once Euro 6 emissions regulations kick-off in 2014.

Daimler reported a slight 1% increase in sales but Volvo said it’s total truck deliveries were up 35% in the second quarter, to nearly 52,000 units, with a 13% rise in Europe. Scania has also said it is increasing production to meet a new appetite amongst buyers.

Although half-year UK registration figures from SMMT show a 10.4% drop compared with the same period in 2012, June saw a significant rise of 11.7%.