The Italian market for trailers and semi-trailers with a gross vehicle weight above 3.5 tonnes opened 2026 with growth. In January, 1,190 units were registered in Italy, up 13.2% compared with the 1,051 units recorded in the same month of 2025, according to estimates by the Centro Studi e Statistiche of Unrae based on data from the Ministero dei Trasporti (Ministry of Transport). The result confirms the positive trend already seen over the course of last year.
A comparison with full-year 2025 reinforces the picture. Last year closed with 15,401 trailers and semi-trailers registered, up 14.6% on the 13,437 units recorded in 2024. The 13.2% increase posted in January 2026 is slightly below the previous annual average, but remains in line with the expansion cycle that began in 2025. The start of the year has also been supported by a solid order book built up in recent months. “We welcome January’s strong performance, which still reflects the momentum of the positive trend and the order book built up over the past year. However, as the months progress, we foresee a possible slowdown in registrations, with the risk of the market returning to negative territory,” said Michele Mastagni, Coordinator of the Trailers, Semi-trailers and Bodies Group at Unrae.
According to the association, one of the key factors underpinning demand is the implementation of the Extraordinary Fund for freight transport, established by the Ministero dei Trasporti (Ministry of Transport) with a total allocation of €590 million. The multi-year measure is designed to support fleet renewal. However, any extension of the implementation timeline could lead to a suspension of purchasing decisions. “The slowdown could intensify if the implementation timeline for the €590 million Extraordinary Fund for freight transport were to be extended, as it finally represents a concrete instrument with a multi-year horizon for fleet renewal. Any postponement of the measures would risk generating a wait-and-see effect, with potential repercussions on the market in the coming months due to slower orders and delays in companies’ investment planning,” Mastagni added.
Alongside incentives, Unrae has drawn attention to the regulatory framework governing the maximum length of articulated vehicles. Since 2021, the limit has been raised to 18.75 metres, but full implementation requires an update to the Implementing Regulation linked to the reform of the Codice della Strada (Highway Code). A recent ministerial circular and a statement in the Camera dei Deputati (Chamber of Deputies) reiterated the measures adopted to allow the circulation of vehicle combinations up to 18.75 metres and the need to harmonise the implementing provisions.
“We believe that now is the time to act, taking advantage of the opportunity offered by the imminent extension of the deadline for adopting the Legislative Decrees implementing the reform of the Highway Code. The necessary update of the Implementing Regulation will finally ensure full application of the rules extending the maximum length of articulated vehicles from 16.50 to 18.75 metres, also allowing the registration of Eurotrailers,” Mastagni concluded.
