Demand for new trucks continues to fall as transport planning bosses remain cautious over capital spending, the latest figures indicate.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the number of HGV registrations fell "further and faster" during the final three months of last year.
Only 2,094 trucks were purchased in December, taking the total for 2009 to 34,746.
This marked an overall drop of 39.5 per cent on the previous year's figures as hauliers across the country continued to struggle with the impact of the economic crisis.
Paul Everitt, SMMT chief executive, said the outlook is unlikely to get much brighter in 2010.
"Business demand and consumer confidence remains low and the effects of recession will be slow to clear in key parts of the commercial vehicle markets," he commented.
Mr Everitt added that it now "essential" that the government helps to promote economic recovery by improving access to finance and encouraging capital investment in the sector.
Despite the lack of activity in the HGV market, figures showed that new car registrations rose by 38.9 per cent in December as the scrappage incentive scheme continued to boost sales.
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