Italy's trailer and semi-trailer market recorded a 12.7% decline in September 2026, according to figures released by Unrae, the Italian association of foreign vehicle manufacturers. Registrations of trailers and semi-trailers with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes fell to 1,134 units, compared with 1,299 in the same month of 2025. For the first time since May, September's decline pushed the year-to-date figures back into negative territory. In the first nine months of 2026, registrations totalled 11,489 units, down 1% from 11,602 in January–September 2025. Michele Mastagni, coordinator of Unrae's Trailer, Semi-trailer and Bodywork Group, said the September decline confirmed the uneven pattern of the market in 2026. Since January, registrations have increased in four months and fallen in five, with pronounced month-on-month fluctuations. "This stop-start trend is a sign that companies are being forced to postpone fleet renewal while waiting for a clear and defined framework for support measures."
According to Mastagni, operators need to know now what incentives will be available from January 2027. Unrae is therefore calling for the multi-year fleet renewal fund for the road haulage sector to be made fully operational, with clear eligibility criteria and payment schedules. For trailers and semi-trailers, the association wants dedicated funding and simplified procedures. Unrae also noted that on 13 October the Council of Ministers gave preliminary approval to a draft legislative decree concerning the new Highway Code, allowing semi-trailers up to 15.54 metres long and articulated vehicles up to 18 metres.
The association argues that longer vehicles can reduce the number of journeys required, cutting fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions for the same volume of freight transported. However, the limit set out in the draft remains below the 18.75 metres previously permitted under certain conditions. Without transitional provisions, the new vehicle configurations will only be allowed on the road from 2028, when the Code becomes applicable. Unrae welcomes the direction of the reform but believes the measure should be more ambitious and take effect immediately. Mastagni hopes that the forthcoming parliamentary opinions will recommend restoring the maximum length of articulated vehicles to 18.75 metres and introducing transitional arrangements to allow their use without waiting for the implementing regulations of the new Code.
P.R.
