DAF keeps UK market leadership for 30th year

Following the SMMT’s publication of 2024 registration figures, the DAF brand captured 28.4% share of the truck market above six-tonnes GVW, representing 12,780 vehicle registrations. The achievement ensures that DAF Trucks continues its leading position despite a marginal decline from its consistent above-30% market share over the last five years. This sustained period atop the truck market began in 1995, when Euro I was the legislated emissions standard and the DAF 95 Series was the premium model in the DAF range.

The vast majority of UK-registered, right-hand-drive commercial vehicles are built in Britain at Leyland Trucks in Lancashire, including XB, XD, XF, XG and XG+ ranges, along with a rapidly growing range of electric models.

The overall UK truck market above 6.0-tonnes GVW saw a slight reduction of 2.7% in 2024, with 44,988 total registrations compared to 46,227 in 2023. Despite this downturn, 2024 remains the second-largest market since 2019.

Rigid vehicle registrations grew in 2024 with the medium-duty sector from 6.0- to 16.0 tonnes GVW, expanding by 7.9% to reach 9,104 units (up from 8,441 in 2023). Meanwhile, the larger heavy-duty rigid sector above 16.0-tonnes GVW saw a 5.0% growth, with registrations totalling 16,805 (compared to 15,988 in 2023). The tractor unit sector recorded a notable contraction, with registrations dropping by 12.4% to 19,079, down from 21,788 in 2023.

Managing director at DAF Trucks, David Kiss, said: “Naturally, were very proud of our long and ongoing success. However, it is not simply down to our great products. It is a result of the efforts of our people – from right across the business – and particularly from our fantastic dealer network that supports our customers. And we thank those customers who entrust their business to DAF, many of whom have been working with us for the past three decades and longer. Our relationship with those customers is collaborative, with our products and our support services in place to help power their success.”

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