Commercial vehicle production in the UK grew 39.3% in 2022 to reach 101,600 units – the best annual performance since 2012.
Output was up 29.8% on 2019’s pre-pandemic production figures – despite global part and component shortages, logistics challenges, and economic and political disruption.
The data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals production increases across all months, bar December when output fell 23.6% to 4,710 units.
Domestic output increased – up 14.0% year-on-year to 40,409 units – but the biggest rise was seen in output for overseas markets, which surged 63.4%. The biggest demand was in Europe, responsible for 92.8% of all total exports (56,812 units). Meanwhile, 1,336 CVs were shipped to Asia, 1,240 went to the US, and 1,060 to Australia and New Zealand combined.
Further – and “significant” – volume growth is expected this year, as a result of new model activity and an increase in electric van production. The prediction is for manufacturing output to surpass 160,000 units in 2023.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said 2022’s best annual performance in a decade was “testament to the determination and agility of the sector, which continued to meet strong demand despite extremely challenging operating conditions”.
But he warned that long-term success was contingent on the industry’s ability to remain competitive in the global race to net zero.
“Support to bring down soaring energy costs, encourage investment in zero emission technologies, and equip our talented workforce with the right skills to deliver these vehicles, will be essential in keeping the nation and economy on the move.”
