UK commercial vehicle production dipped for the second month in a row in November, falling 4.1% to 12,749 units.
The decline is in comparison with a particularly strong 2023, which saw the biggest November volume in 17 years, but the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) that a robust strategy is needed to secure long-term growth.
The November data underscores that the UK’s CV sector is export-led, with seven in 10 (70.9%) vehicles produced last month heading overseas, although volumes fell 4.4% to 9,034 units.
Production for the UK is still significant, at 3,715 units, although that’s 3.2% below November last year, underlining the importance of measures that encourage greater uptake of new CVs – particularly the latest zero-emission models, many being made in Britain.
Year-to-date volumes are 5.6% up with118,583 units produced – the largest January-November output since 2008.
But the SMMT said sustained success depends on an ambitious Industrial Strategy; the right strategy could help deliver £50bn of green growth by 2035, according to figures.
The trade body also stressed that the Government’s upcoming review of the ZEV mandate – pledged before Christmas – must ensure the regulation is workable and positions Britain as an attractive place to make and sell new products.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “It’s essential this sector continues to thrive but long-term growth requires an ambitious Industrial Strategy to make Britain a globally attractive location for new investment.
“Having strong markets close to where products are made is a major advantage, so government’s review of the ZEV mandate must come quickly and ensure market support is as ambitious as regulation.”
