The Italian market for trailers with a total mass exceeding 3.5 tons continues to show signs of struggle, with no indication of a reversal in the trend. According to data from the Unrae Center for Studies and Statistics, based on registration figures provided by the Ministry of Transport, September 2024 saw a sharp drop compared to the same period last year: registrations amounted to 842 units, down from 1,332 in September 2023—a decline of 36.8%. This poor result brought the cumulative total for the first nine months of 2024 to a 15% decline, with 10,197 vehicles registered since January compared to 11,992 in the same period of 2023, marking a volume loss of 1,795 units.
Michele Mastagni, Coordinator of the Trailers, Semi-Trailers, and Fittings Group of Unrae, explains: "As anticipated in recent months, this year's registration trend has been affected by economic uncertainty and high interest rates, which have discouraged companies in the freight transport sector from renewing their fleets, pushing the market towards a double-digit decline by the end of 2024. Furthermore, the average age of the Italian vehicle fleet has now reached 17 years, resulting in a concerning combination that risks compromising road safety."
Mastagni has also urged the Ministry of Transport to act swiftly to make operational, by the end of the year, the €7.5 million fund allocated for 2024 incentives: "Although we consider the current allocation insufficient, we ask the Ministry to urgently issue the necessary measure to make the incentive fund operational, aimed at purchasing new trailers and semi-trailers."
Mastagni further expressed concern over the lack of specific measures for freight transport in the draft Budget Law presented to Parliament: "We unfortunately have to point out that the draft Budget Law does not include specific measures for freight transport, a sector of crucial importance to our country's economy. Despite this, we will continue to push for the establishment of a four-year Fund, with at least €70 million, to renew the vehicle fleet, boost the trailer market, and improve road safety."
Lastly, Mastagni highlighted the importance of allowing vehicle combinations up to 18.75 meters in length to circulate in Italy: "Such a measure would provide significant advantages, including greater travel efficiency, reduced costs for companies, fuel savings, and a consequent reduction in CO2 emissions."
