CV output down but increase in exports offers hope, finds SMMT

Output for year-to-date was down by a quarter (25.2%), due largely to plant restructuring over the past year.

However, exports increased for the first time in six months as the European commercial vehicle market gradually recovers.

‘UK commercial vehicle production remained negative in September, while key manufacturing facilities adjusted to new models," said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.

‘We expect monthly output to level off in the coming months, with the restructuring of operations last year now only affecting the year-to-date figures.'

CV manufacturing	Sept '13	Sept '14	% change	YTD-13	YTD-14	% change
Total	6,997	4,818	-31.1%	67,887	50,746	-25.2%
Home	3,817	2,522	-33.9%	31,600	24,474	-22.6%
Export	3,180	2,296	-27.8%	36,287	26,272	-27.6%
% Export	45.4%	47.7%		53.5%	51.8%