New heavy goods vehicle (HGV) registrations declined during 2025, according to the latest figures, but the bus and coach market recorded its strongest performance since 2008.
HGV registrations declined by 10 per cent last year with 40,504 new trucks joining UK roads, with the market contracting in every quarter.
However, new zero emission HGV uptake rose 170.5 per cent year-on-year to reach 587 units – a new record boosted by a more than tripling in year-on-year demand in Q4 – up 251 per cent with 179 registrations. The UK has, as a result, surpassed the milestone of 1,000 new zero emission truck registrations.
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) chief executive Mike Hawes said: “The new HGV market continues to normalise amid economic constraints on fleet investment but a return to growth in 2026 is needed so that UK businesses can keep moving with the latest, cleanest vehicle technology.
On the other hand, registrations of new buses, coaches and minibuses grew 10.4 per cent in 2025 to reach 9,259.
The bus and coach sector also retained its position as the UK’s most rapidly decarbonising road segment, overtaking progress made across cars, vans and HGVs. Zero emission vehicle uptake rose 62.2 per cent to 2,523, representing 27.3 per cent of all new public transport vehicles joining the road.
Hawes added: “Strong growth in Britain’s bus, coach and minibus market is clear evidence of an industry committed to cleaner, reliable and accessible transportation for all.
“The substantial increase in the uptake of zero emission vehicles has been enabled by significant manufacturer investment and targeted government schemes but momentum must be maintained.
“Upgrading bus fleets can be complex and costly – challenges that industry and government must address together so Britain can maintain its leadership in green public transport and accelerate our journey towards net zero.”
