The Italian market for industrial vehicles closed September 2025 with a marked recovery, breaking the slowdown seen in previous months. According to data from the Ministry of Transport processed by Unrae’s Centre for Studies and Statistics, new registrations of vehicles with a total mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes reached 2,092 units in the month, up 23.6% on the 1,692 recorded a year earlier.
Growth was broad-based across all weight categories, with particularly strong contributions from light vehicles between 3.51 and 6 tonnes (+56.8%) and medium-duty models between 6.01 and 15.99 tonnes (+35.3%). Among heavy vehicles over 16 tonnes, the 21.8% increase was driven more by rigid trucks (+27.5%) than by road tractors (+18.2%), indicating sustained demand in distribution and construction sectors as well as in long-haul transport.
Despite the short-term rebound, results for the first nine months remain negative. Between January and September, 20,725 industrial vehicles were registered, down 7.9% from 22,491 in 2024. The decline is almost entirely due to vehicles over 16 tonnes, which fell to 17,635 units (–8.3%), reflecting postponed investments pending more favourable conditions for incentives and financing.
Unrae welcomed the signing of the ministerial decree regulating the renewal of the road haulage fleet but stressed the urgency of making the measures operational. The funds allocated amount to €13 million, awaiting publication in the Official Gazette and the implementing decree required to start bookings. The association also called for the additional €6 million already earmarked for 2025 to be merged into the same measure, to avoid administrative fragmentation that could delay access to subsidies.
At the same time, the association urged the implementation of the multi-year extraordinary plan worth around €600 million for the renewal of the freight fleet, repeatedly mentioned by the Minister of Transport. According to Unrae, clear timelines and transparent access procedures are essential, in line with the joint planning for the decarbonisation of road transport developed with other industry associations.
On the international front, concern is growing over the 25% tariff announced by the United States on imports of industrial vehicles over 4.5 tonnes, due to take effect on 1 November 2025. It is still unclear whether the measure will also apply to heavy vehicles manufactured in Europe, despite the agreement between the European Union and Washington that sets a reduced 15% tariff for light vehicles. Unrae hopes the EU will act swiftly to find a negotiated solution to avoid trade tensions and repercussions on the industrial and international trade sectors.
