The UK van industry has renewed its call for Plug-in Van Grant stability and the rollout of van-friendly charging infrastructure as it posts latest commercial vehicle production figures.
Manufacturing output at UK plants grew by more than a quarter (25.9%) in September, bringing about a 16-year high for year-to-date production.
A total of 14,643 vans, buses, trucks, coaches and taxis rolled out of UK factories, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Growth followed August’s 10.0% downturn during the traditional low-volume ‘summer shutdown’ month and the supply issues that blighted the second quarter.
Year-to-date production is now up by 8.5% to 93,447 units in the best January to end of September figures since 2008. Growth was again driven by exports, up 15.1%, more than offsetting a 2.5% decline in output for the domestic market.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said the Government should investigate measures to ensure manufacturing competitiveness along with urgent action to support a healthy market.
The trade body has reiterated its call for the continuation of the Plug-in Van Grant, and investment in charge point infrastructure suited to the specific needs of vans, trucks, buses and coaches.
The SMMT is also calling for the Autumn Budget to include the reaffirmation of the funding set out last year in the Advanced Manufacturing Plan plus measures to provide competitively priced low carbon energy, attract investment, especially in zero-emission supply chains, and support for the reskilling and upskilling of the sector’s workforce.
Mike Hawes, chief executive, said: “Next week’s Budget is the opportunity to outline how government will work with industry to attract the further investment that will underpin growth, jobs and prosperity.”
