UK commercial vehicle production fell 9.8% in November as business confidence remained weak.
New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a total of 8,768 units were manufactured last month, with output for overseas markets up 43.5%, but production for the domestic market down 21.7%.
The picture was more bleak for year-to-date performance, which has fallen by 9.3% during a turbulent year, with exports down 11.5%. A total of 70,918 CVs have been produced so far this year, with nearly six in 10 shipped overseas, highlighting the importance of international trade.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “It has been a turbulent year in the commercial vehicle sector, with political and economic uncertainty contributing to a drop in demand, especially from UK fleets. Operators need stability and confidence to invest so industry looks forward to working with the new government to help deliver an ambitious EU trade deal, which is tariff free, avoids barriers to trade and includes regulatory alignment.”
