UK commercial vehicle manufacturing output rocketed 33.3% in April, heralding the month’s best performance since 2010.
A total of 10,504 vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches were produced last month, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The uplift follows two months of successive decline and signals that recent supply chain shortages are easing.
Demand was driven by exports, which soared 56.3% to 7,382 units and accounted for 70% of output. In contrast, domestic production fell 1.1% to 3,122 units.
For the year to date, manufacturing output is now up 9.0% at 36,114 units. Exports in the first four months are ahead by 16.2% at 21,990 units – the best YTD performance since 2012. But production for the UK remains down, by 0.7% to 14,124 units.
Overall production volumes are also expected to increase further throughout the year, reflecting the easing supply chain constraints and new electric van manufacturing coming on stream.
Commenting on the sector’s best April performance in 13 years, Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “This is healthy growth, driven by significant demand from overseas markets, namely Europe, highlighting the need to protect this trade, which is critical to our ongoing success.
“For growth to continue, however, government must introduce measures which not only invite investment and reduce the erratic energy costs which threaten our competitiveness, but also find a sensible solution to the rules of origin challenge faced by manufacturers.”
