After four consecutive months of contraction, the Italian industrial vehicle market returned to positive territory in February 2025 with a 1.8% increase. This figure breaks a prolonged negative trend, although it is not yet indicative of a structural recovery in the sector. According to data released by the UNRAE Research and Statistics Centre, based on registrations recorded by the Ministry of Transport, the number of new registrations for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes reached 2,285 units in the second month of the year, compared to 2,245 in the same period of 2024.
An analysis of different vehicle categories reveals a mixed picture. The light industrial vehicle segment (3.51 to 6 tonnes) grew significantly, with a 6.3% increase, reaching 102 registrations compared to 96 in February of the previous year. The heavy-duty segment (over 16 tonnes) also saw positive results, with a 2.2% increase to 1,911 registrations. Within this category, rigid trucks recorded strong growth, up by 18% to 833 units. In contrast, demand for tractor units dropped sharply to 1,078 units (-7.3%), reinforcing a worrying trend that has already resulted in a 12.9% decline since the start of the year.
Paolo A. Starace, President of UNRAE’s Industrial Vehicles Section, highlighted the significance of the decline in tractor units, stating that "this type of vehicle, closely linked to industrial production trends, serves as a key indicator of the health of the manufacturing and road transport sectors in Italy." Starace also pointed to the geopolitical landscape, noting that "domestic challenges must be seen within an increasingly complex international context, where Europe is required to strengthen its economic and industrial autonomy amid a delicate balance between Asian and North American economic blocs."
Regarding recent European policy measures, the UNRAE President welcomed certain aspects of the European Commission’s Action Plan, such as the extension of toll exemptions for zero-emission industrial vehicles. However, he described the overall strategy as insufficient and overdue. "The heavy transport sector still appears to be a secondary priority for the European Union. It is essential to ensure flexibility in emission targets for heavy vehicles, just as has been done for light vehicles," Starace emphasised. Finally, he outlined the sector’s immediate needs, stating that "far more substantial investments are required to develop dedicated charging infrastructure and targeted resources to encourage the adoption of ultra-low or zero-emission industrial vehicles."
