European truck registrations are recovering, but fuel bills, financing commitments and the cost of cleaner vehicles continue to put pressure on haulage businesses.

New figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), published on 28 October, show that EU truck registrations increased by 7.5% to 245,079 units during the first nine months of 2026.

Heavy-truck registrations rose by 8.5%, while medium trucks recorded growth of 2.5%. ACEA describes the improvement as a recovery from a low base, against a backdrop of rising energy prices.

For Irish operators, the figures offer a useful measure of fleet investment across Europe. However, stronger vehicle purchasing does not, by itself, demonstrate that haulage margins are improving.

Recovery varies across Europe

Poland recorded the strongest growth among the major truck markets, with registrations increasing by 20.5%. Spain followed with a 13.2% rise, while Germany grew by 2.5%. France moved in the opposite direction, recording a decline of 1.6%.

Diesel remained dominant, accounting for 91.7% of new EU truck registrations. Electrically chargeable trucks grew by 49.8%, taking a 5.3% market share. Germany, France and the Netherlands together accounted for 74% of electrically chargeable truck registrations.

Fuel and payment delays squeeze cash flow

The financial pressures behind those purchasing decisions remain considerable.

In an appeal to the European Commission on 23 October, the International Road Transport Union (IRU) warned that rising diesel costs linked to the Middle East crisis were weakening operators’ finances.

According to IRU, fuel represents around 30% of operating costs, while many operators work on margins of just 1–3%. It also warned that smaller businesses often lack the reserves needed to absorb sharp price increases.

For a haulier, the pressure arises before an invoice is paid. Diesel, wages and other journey costs must be funded while payment for completed work remains outstanding. Even an agreed fuel surcharge may leave a temporary funding gap.

IRU is seeking a one-year extension of the fuel-crisis State Aid framework until 31 December 2027, alongside a dedicated EU regulation introducing enforceable payment terms of no more than 30 days for commercial road transport. Both remain industry requests.

Cleaner trucks raise the investment hurdle

Decarbonisation adds another financial challenge.

The IRU–Trimble Green Compact survey, published on 22 October, found that 70% of Western European respondents said customers were unwilling to pay the additional cost of greener transport.

Vehicle prices have overtaken infrastructure as the leading barrier to adopting alternative-fuel vehicles in both Western and Eastern Europe. In Western Europe, 66% cited vehicle prices as an obstacle, compared with 49% in 2025. The financing implication is straightforward: a higher purchase price means more capital must come from the operator, a lender or financial support. The commercial case depends on whether operating savings and customer revenue can cover that commitment.

For electric trucks, the assessment must also include charging equipment, electricity supply and the suitability of the work. Grid capacity remains a significant challenge, according to IRU. ansport Organisation

What Irish hauliers should assess

For Irish fleets planning replacements, the European sales recovery provides context, but each investment still needs to stand on its own operating figures.

That means comparing finance repayments, fuel or electricity costs, maintenance, utilisation and expected resale value over the intended ownership period. Customer contracts and payment performance deserve equal attention.

A newer truck may offer a sound business case through improved reliability or lower operating costs. The decision turns on whether the work it performs generates enough margin—and pays promptly enough—to fund it.