The trailer and semi-trailer market in Italy is once again showing signs of recovery. According to estimates from the research and statistics centre of Unrae, based on registration data provided by the Ministry of Transport, March 2025 recorded a 5% increase compared to March 2024, with 1,155 new units registered against 1,100 the previous year. While this growth follows a year of underwhelming performance in 2024, it nonetheless reinforces the sector’s rebound, bringing the cumulative figure for the first quarter to 3,413 registrations—an annual rise of 3.5%.
“We are pleased to note the positive signals coming from the trailer and semi-trailer sector,” said Michele Mastagni, coordinator of the Trailers, Semi-Trailers and Bodywork Group at Unrae. “This trend allows the market to close the first quarter with moderate but meaningful growth compared to the same period last year.”
In this context of cautious recovery, Unrae has welcomed the announcement by the Minister of Transport of a €600 million funding package to support the road haulage industry. The move, long awaited, must now be translated into concrete measures which, according to Mastagni, “should include a significant allocation specifically aimed at renewing the fleet of towed vehicles.” Unrae has already submitted a set of proposals for an implementation plan to the Ministry and to major trade associations, aimed at activating targeted incentive schemes. The association reiterated its willingness to contribute to the development of policies that encourage the uptake of more modern, safer and more efficient vehicles.
Alongside the matter of incentives, Unrae has also highlighted the urgent need to update the implementing regulations of the Highway Code. In particular, it calls for Italy to allow the circulation of articulated lorries up to 18.75 metres in length, aligning with practices already in place in other European countries. According to Mastagni, this is “a measure that would equip the sector with new tools to make freight transport more efficient and competitive.”
