CV production still subdued but stability anticipated, says SMMT

July’s fall reflects the trend in previous months, with year-to-date output down 23.3%. Last year’s structural changes continue to cause instability, but SMMT expects the market to stabilise in the coming months.

‘UK commercial vehicle production fell by a quarter over last July, continuing the trend seen over the last year,’ said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. ‘With the effects of the 2013 restructuring still evident, as well as the spike in truck registrations towards the end of last year, this was to be expected. The coming months should provide more optimism, however, with European demand showing sustained improvement.’