UK commercial vehicle manufacturing has recorded its best year to date since 2010 despite a fall in April.
Production dropped by 19.9% in April, the second consecutive monthly decline, with 8,413 vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches rolling off factory lines, compared to 10,504 in April 2023, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Despite this fall, CV production output is up 13.6% for the first four months of the year – and 289.1% on the same period in 2019, due to investment and an uncharacteristically low April in 2019 with model changeovers at major production plants.
April output for both the UK and export markets were down, by 9.9% and 24.1% respectively, but exports remain up 30.3% YtD. Seven in 10 commercial vehicles produced in the first four months were destined for export, with the EU responsible for the lion’s share at 96.8%. Manufacturing for UK customers, meanwhile, declined by 12.4% to 12,378 units, but is expected to rise throughout the year as the market stabilises.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “A second consecutive month of decline for British commercial vehicle production is disappointing, but with supply chain shortages likely to be temporary and battery electric vehicle (BEV) production still set to rise, we expect a return to growth in the latter half of the year. The sector remains in good health, however, thanks to strong demand from overseas markets.
“With a general election less than two months away and net zero deadlines looming, we look to the next government to ensure market conditions remain favourable to businesses and manufacturing competitiveness is enhanced so the sector can continue to attract the investment necessary to boost production of zero-emission vehicles.”
