According to the Truck Industry Council (TIC), a total of 33,727 heavy vehicles were sold by the end of September, marking a significant decrease from 2024's record pace. However, this figure still positions 2025 on track to be the third-best year on record for the industry, indicating underlying resilience.
Breaking down the figures by segment:
- Heavy Duty (HD) Trucks: This category experienced the most significant decline, with 3,416 units delivered in Q3, a 16.3% drop from the same period in 2024. September sales were particularly affected, down 20.2% year-on-year.
- Medium Duty (MD) Trucks: The segment saw a 20.6% decrease in Q3 sales compared to the previous year, with September deliveries down 28.4%.
- Light Duty (LD) Trucks: Demonstrating relative strength, this segment delivered 3,691 units in Q3, marking a 1.0% increase over the same period last year.
- Light Duty Vans (LDV): Despite a 12.8% decline from Q3 2024, the segment recorded the second-best Q3 result on record, with 2,460 units delivered.
TIC CEO Tony McMullan noted the potential for market recovery, stating, "The slight improvement that we saw in the market year-to-date at the end of quarter three... suggests that sales have steadied. Hopefully, quarter two was the low point and that we will now witness stabilised, or increasing, sales for the last part of 2025 and into 2026."
For transport operators, this stabilisation offers a cautiously optimistic outlook. While challenges remain, particularly in the heavy-duty segment, the overall market resilience suggests opportunities for growth and investment as the industry adapts to evolving demands and economic conditions.
