The year 2024 is proving exceptionally tough for the Italian market of trailers and semi-trailers over 3.5 tonnes. In October alone, 1,200 vehicles were registered, 76 fewer than in the same period last year. This represents a 6% contraction and marks the fourth straight month of negative performance. From January to October, the sector has suffered a 14.0% decline, with registrations falling from 13,267 units in 2023 to 11,413 in 2024 - a volume loss of 1,854 units.
Michele Mastagni, coordinator of Unrae's Trailer, Semi-Trailer, and Bodywork Group, expressed concern over the sector's trajectory: "The average age of the Italian vehicle fleet is extremely worrying, and the sharp drop in registrations during 2024 only exacerbates the situation. We believe it is high time for the Government to adopt concrete and timely policies to avoid lagging behind other European countries and ensure the sector's competitiveness."*
Among the proposals outlined by Unrae, Mastagni highlighted the importance of introducing disincentives for the use of outdated vehicles and linking the types of goods transportable to the age of the vehicles. This approach aims to enhance road safety and reduce environmental impact. Equally urgent is the establishment of structured incentives to renew the vehicle fleet, funded on a stable basis to enable businesses to plan long-term investments.
Furthermore, Unrae is advocating for the alignment of Italian regulations with European standards regarding vehicle length. Specifically, it recommends allowing the circulation of vehicle combinations up to 18.75 metres. According to Mastagni, this adjustment would be a pivotal step in enabling the registration of innovative and technologically advanced vehicles: "This measure would enhance the competitiveness of Italian companies without increasing vehicle weight, modernising fleets and supporting the market's recovery."
