British commercial vehicle manufacturing grew 47.9% in August following four successive months of decline as new model production boosted output.
The data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows 5,544 units rolled off production lines last month, nearly 1,800 more than in the same period last year, marking the best August since 2012.
Output for both overseas and home markets rose, up 71.9% and 17.3% respectively, emphasising the export-led nature of British CV production.
However, despite the boost from August, year-to-date volumes were down 13.4%, showing the impact of a 24.5% fall in overseas orders despite a 7.5% increase in domestic demand.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “It’s good news to see commercial vehicle production rebound in August, as new model production ramps up and customers respond to the latest, cleanest vans coming to market. It is still too early to draw any long-term conclusions that volumes will recover for the year, however, and crucial to future success will be keeping beneficial trading relationships with the EU and other global markets.”
