The Italian market for trailers and semi-trailers remains in deep crisis, as registrations show no signs of recovery. Data released by Unrae’s Research and Statistics Centre, based on figures provided by the Ministry of Transport, paint a bleak picture for November 2024. Registrations of trailers and semi-trailers with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes totalled only 1,154 units, down from 1,436 in November 2023—a drop of 19.7%.
This marks the tenth decline recorded in the first eleven months of 2024. From January to November, a total of 12,544 towed vehicles were registered, compared to 14,702 during the same period in the previous year. This represents a 14.7% decrease and a loss of over 2,000 units. Michele Mastagni, coordinator of Unrae’s Trailer, Semi-trailer and Equipment Group, expressed serious concern: “Market data highlight a negative trend that appears unstoppable without prompt and effective government intervention. In this scenario, the renewal rate of the vehicle fleet is plummeting, further increasing the average age of vehicles—now 17.3 years—with inevitable consequences for road safety.”
Unrae has proposed clear and targeted solutions. Their top priority is the establishment of a multi-year fund for fleet renewal, with a budget of at least €70 million allocated until 2028. Such a measure could facilitate the replacement of older vehicles with modern, technologically advanced ones, contributing to reduced emissions and enhanced road safety. Alongside these incentives, Unrae advocates for measures to discourage the use of older, more polluting vehicles under the “polluter pays” principle. These measures could include differentiated motorway tolls, excise duty surcharges, higher road taxes, and restrictions on vehicle circulation.
In addition to financial incentives, Unrae has highlighted a critical regulatory gap: the lack of provisions allowing the use of so-called Eurotrailers in Italy—articulated lorries up to 18.75 metres in length. Although the Italian Highway Code was updated over three years ago to permit these vehicles, the failure to amend the Implementing Regulations remains a major obstacle. “The authorisation for these vehicles, already successfully adopted in several European countries, would bring significant benefits, including reduced emissions, less road congestion, better load distribution, and greater competitiveness for businesses,” Mastagni stated. Unrae is urging swift and decisive action to align Italian regulations with European standards, fostering innovation that could revitalise the market.
