Experts from the Institute of Auto Market Research analyzed vehicle registration statistics in Ukraine and identified the most popular models in three segments of tractor units: imported used, domestic resale, and new.
Tractor unit market dynamics
During September 2025, Ukrainians purchased a total of 1,216 new and used tractor units. This figure is 22.2% lower compared to the results of the same period in 2024, but 9.1% higher compared to August of this year.
The structure of this segment is as follows: the share of domestic resales was 60.9% (741 units), imports of used tractor units — 32.2% (391 units).The total share of "trucks" with mileage was 93.1%.
6.9% of tractor units were purchased new, which in quantitative terms is equal to 84 units of such equipment.
By individual subsegments, the comparative dynamics of the tractor unit market looks like this:
- Domestic resales: +10.4% MM, −22.2% YY
- Used imports: +4.8% MM, −21.3% YY
- New imports: +18.3% MM, −26.3% YY
The most popular tractors on the domestic market
The dominance of the DAF XF, which maintains its position as the national leader, is clearly visible in the domestic market. Its success is not only the merit of the manufacturer, but also the result of excellent "survivability", optimal price and the widest availability of spare parts, which makes it the safest investment for most carriers. Next to it are the equally reliable German MAN TGX and Mercedes-Benz Actros, which provide the necessary competition in the high class, offering higher build quality and technological sophistication. The Swedish league, represented by the Volvo FH and Scania R-series, is valued primarily for its unsurpassed comfort for the driver on long-distance trips, even if their price on the secondary market may be slightly higher than that of competitors.
Interestingly, despite global trends regarding high “euro”, our market is not without its “old-timers” who refuse to retire. A striking example is the Renault Magnum. This tractor, although outdated, still has stable demand. Its unique, spacious cabin with a flat floor offers comfort that even newer competitors often cannot provide. At the same time, the massive, but already outdated DAF CF and its similar brother Renault Premium continue to serve as affordable, workhorses for regional transportation. Their presence in large numbers indicates that for many carriers, the decisive factor is not novelty, but a low entry threshold and moderate cost of ownership.
The most popular used tractor units imported from abroad
In the sector of imports of semi-trailer tractors, the leadership was taken by a powerful German-Dutch duo: MAN TGX and DAF XF go hand in hand, demonstrating the most balanced demand. This reflects the desire of carriers to find the optimal combination of price, comfort and availability of spare parts, which is what these mainline flagships offer. They are joined by Volvo FH and Scania R-series, which, although inferior in quantity, consistently maintain a high image. They are chosen by those who are willing to pay for premium comfort and high power. Interestingly, the middle class of German cars is represented by MAN TGS, but in DAF this role is played by the already outdated CF, which indicates that imports are still dominated by tractors of previous generations, and not the latest XD or XG series.
In general, the import picture looks very rational: it almost entirely consists of current or very popular long-distance tractors. There are almost no "exotics" or "old guard" like the Renault Magnum, which were noticeable on the domestic market — the restrictions on imports by the "Euro-5" standard are noticeable. The only exception among the "heavyweights" is the Renault T-series, which finally appeared in the top of imports, which confirms its gradual consolidation in our market. And such models as the Scania P-series and Volvo FM are presented much more modestly, since they are more often imported as chassis for special equipment, and not as tractors, remaining in this segment only as an addition to their older brothers.
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The most popular new tractor units
In the market for new long-haul trucks, we see that those who offer the best financing conditions and the latest models dominate. The undisputed champion here is the Iveco S-Way, which is significantly ahead of all competitors. Its popularity among new cars is often explained by a more aggressive pricing policy and more favorable leasing conditions compared to the “big six”. However, the German MAN TGX and the Swedish Scania R-series are consistently in the top 3, confirming their status as desirable flagships. The Volvo FH and Mercedes-Benz Actros also hold their positions, attracting customers with the highest technological standards and a reputation for quality standards.
This rating is especially interesting because there is practically no place for old names here. In fact, every new imported “truck” is a current generation. The presence of Iveco Stralis in this list, albeit in small quantities, looks like the last chord before the full transition to S-Way. Unlike the used car markets, exclusively the highest class dominates here: here you will almost never see budget solutions like Scania P-series or Volvo FM. This clearly shows: when buying a new tractor, carriers invest in their most efficient and most comfortable tool — a flagship cabin that can quickly work out its cost on main routes.
Donʼt forget to check out our review of semi-trailers for trucks — look for it in our news!
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