MAN and TIP Group Seal €160m Multi-Year Truck Framework

MAN Truck & Bus has signed a new three-year framework agreement with TIP Group covering the supply of up to 1,800 trucks across 18 European countries between 2026 and 2028.

The agreement allows for deliveries of up to 600 vehicles per year and includes both diesel and battery-electric models across all major weight classes. The inclusion of MAN’s electric eTGX and eTGS long-haul trucks reflects growing confidence in zero-emission vehicles within rental and contract hire fleets. TIP says the framework gives customers practical flexibility as they balance cost, performance and sustainability targets during the transition away from diesel-only operations.

👉 Read more from MAN: https://www.mantruckandbus.com
👉 TIP Group news: https://www.tip-group.com/news

Volvo Trucks Claims UK Tractor Unit Crown for 2025

Volvo Trucks ended 2025 as the UK’s leading tractor unit manufacturer, securing a 22% share of the articulated truck market. The result represents a climb from third place the previous year, driven largely by strong uptake of the FH Aero range.

Volvo also led the UK alternative-fuel segment, with electric and gas-powered trucks accounting for 33.1% of that market. The FH Aero’s aerodynamic design, camera mirror system and wide choice of powertrains have appealed to long-haul operators seeking fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Overall, Volvo finished second in total UK truck registrations above 16 tonnes — its strongest-ever result in that category.

👉 Volvo Trucks UK press: https://www.volvotrucks.co.uk
👉 Registration data: https://www.smmt.co.uk

Electric Truck Registrations Rise in Urban and Regional Fleets

Battery-electric truck registrations continued to rise across the UK during 2025, particularly in urban distribution, local authority and supermarket operations. Improvements in vehicle range, reliability and charging availability are making electric trucks increasingly viable for predictable regional routes.

Fleet operators report that total cost of ownership is becoming more competitive where clean air charges apply and vehicles return to depot-based charging overnight. While long-haul electrification remains limited, growth in 16–26-tonne electric trucks is widely seen as a critical stepping stone toward broader zero-emission adoption across the sector.

👉 UK zero-emission HGV policy: https://www.gov.uk

Hydrogen Refuelling Projects Target Key Freight Corridors

Hydrogen refuelling infrastructure aimed at heavy goods vehicles is gathering pace, with several UK and European projects advancing toward delivery. Developers are focusing on motorway corridors, ports and major logistics hubs to support early fuel-cell truck deployments.

Although hydrogen trucks remain in trial phases, manufacturers and infrastructure providers argue that coordinated rollout is essential to avoid the delays seen during earlier alternative fuel transitions. Hydrogen is increasingly positioned as a potential long-distance solution where battery weight and charging time may prove restrictive.

👉 UK hydrogen transport strategy: https://www.gov.uk
👉 European mobility projects: https://transport.ec.europa.eu

Euro 7 Uncertainty Shapes Fleet Replacement Decisions

Despite final timelines still evolving, Euro 7 emissions standards are already influencing fleet purchasing strategies. Operators are weighing whether to invest now in late-generation Euro 6 vehicles or delay major renewals until regulatory requirements are clearer.

Truck manufacturers report continued interest in new diesel drivetrains designed to deliver lower fuel consumption and emissions, offering fleets a transitional solution while electric and hydrogen infrastructure matures. Residual values and compliance risk are increasingly central to buying decisions.

👉 EU transport emissions policy: https://climate.ec.europa.eu
👉 UK vehicle standards guidance: https://www.gov.uk

Rental and Short-Term Hire Demand Remains Resilient

Demand for truck and trailer rental remains strong across the UK, as operators seek flexibility amid uncertainty over future powertrains and emissions rules. Short- and medium-term hire is increasingly being used to trial electric trucks without long-term ownership risk.

Rental providers report sustained interest in mixed fleets, allowing customers to switch between diesel and electric vehicles as operational needs evolve. This trend is expected to continue through 2026 as fleets delay irreversible investment decisions.

👉 UK rental market insights: https://www.bvrla.co.uk
👉 Fleet leasing outlook: https://www.fleetnews.co.uk

📅 Event & Policy Reminders — January 2026

  • UK reviews due on further Clean Air Zone expansions
  • Continued EU discussions on detailed Euro 7 implementation
  • Updates expected on heavy-duty public charging and megawatt standards
  • Fleet operators advised to review eligibility for 2026 zero-emission grants
    👉 Policy updates: https://www.gov.uk