A total of 47,052 of the 94,479 CVs made in Britain left UK shores in 2015 – up 34.7% over the previous year, and accounting for half (49.8%) of overall production.
Of these, 41,428 (88%) went to markets within the EU.
Second in the export destination rankings was Asia, accounting for 6.3% of exports, followed by Oceania (2.4%), non-EU European countries (2.1%), Africa (0.6%), and North and South America (0.4%).
Almost three-quarters (71.6%) of CVs exported in 2015 were vans – with every single one destined for the EU, while Europe was also the biggest market for light 4x4s and smaller, rigid 2-axle trucks.
Large trucks were most popular in Oceania, with 76.8% of the rigid 3/4-axle and articulated trucks exported from the UK in 2015 finding a home there.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “British-built vans, trucks and buses are playing an increasing role in the global economy, with vehicles being sent to countries on every continent. The growth in overseas demand for high quality commercials is a huge credit to Britain’s commercial vehicle makers, and serves as a timely reminder of the EU’s vital importance as a trading partner to UK Automotive.”
