UK commercial vehicle manufacturing output remains up 1.1% in the year to date despite two consecutive months of downturn.
Latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show output fell by 3.0% in March, with 9,822 vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches produced. It’s down by just 308 units compared to March 2022, which was the best March since 2011.
Both home and export volumes were down in the month, falling 2.8% and-3.2% respectively.
The decline follows a downturn in February too; both said to be the result of the ongoing semiconductor supply shortages. However, a large rise in January kept Q1 buoyant at 25,554 units. Exports were up 2.6% in Q1 to 14,574 vehicles with 91.8% heading to EU customers, while production for the domestic market declined marginally by 0.8% to 10,980 units.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Despite some incidents of supply chain turbulence, UK commercial vehicle production kicked off 2023 in decent health and the overall trend is one of growth with volumes expected to rise as the year goes on.
“To secure long term success, however, given the once-in-a-generation challenges involved in transitioning to new, zero emission technologies, the sector must remain competitive. We therefore need government to introduce measures that stimulate fresh investment, with the UK’s high cost of energy the biggest barrier to competitiveness, and action to reform business rates essential.”
