CV manufacturing down 23% in first half of the year, finds SMMT

SMMT found that volumes fell 25.4% in June and 23% over the first half of the year, with production for both home and export markets affected, possibly due to structural changes in 2013.

However, output is expected to stabilise in the second half of the year.

‘UK commercial vehicle manufacturing figures continue to be swayed by operational restructuring in 2013 and the pull-forward of demand in the heavy commercial sector,’ explained Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.

‘There are signs of optimism, however, with double-digit growth in European commercial vehicle registrations, and the emergence of new products and investments across the sector.’