Commercial vehicle production in the UK rose 17.2% to 7,892 units in October, despite the ongoing semiconductor shortages.
The growth was the highest uplift since June this year, but followed a weak October 2020 where operators delayed fleet renewal due to issues relating to the pandemic and uncertainty over a no-deal Brexit. The newly released figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also show that October output was 6.9% below the five-year average pre-Covid.
October production was mainly boosted by higher domestic demand, which grew by 29.8%, whilst the number of CVs built for export increased by a more modest 6.8%. Throughout 2021, export share has decreased from 56.1% in 2020 to 51.3%, with output for UK buyers continuing to accelerate faster than those abroad.
Year-to-date, some 58,813 CVs have been produced, up 15.6%. However, when compared to the five-year pre-coronavirus average, output is 18.0% down, due to both the ongoing impact of the semiconductor shortage and the ‘pingdemic’ staff shortages earlier in the year.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Significant growth in CV production during October comes as welcome news, but it must be viewed in context against a weak month in 2020. The sector is not immune from the ongoing challenges caused by the pandemic and, most notably, the semiconductor shortage and there remains plenty of uncertainty in the months ahead.
“UK manufacturers are committed to doing all they can to keep production lines operational, getting more of the latest, cleanest CVs onto our roads, and boosting fleet renewal which will go a long way to improving air quality in urban areas.”
