UK commercial vehicle production grew by 10.7% in October, resulting in the 10th consecutive month of growth this year.
A total of 8,740 vans, buses, trucks, coaches and taxis rolled off British factory lines last month – the highest October output since 2019, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Exports continued their double-digit rise, increasing by 50.2% to 5,905 units. Of this figure, around 5,579 units were scheduled for Europe – accounting for 94.5% of exports and showing how continued industry success is reliant on suitable trading terms.
But production for the UK fell sharply, down 28.4% compared with the same month last year, as the focused shifted onto strong export orders.
Year-to-date output was up 45.5% to 85,547 units, heralding the best performance since 2012 and some 19.3% higher than the pre-pandemic five-year average. Here too, success was dependent on robust overseas demand; exports have risen by 70.0% to 51,271 units so far this year, while production for domestic buyers is up by a more modest 19.6%, to 34,276 units.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Another month of growth for CV manufacturers is good news for the wider industry as it shows how the UK is well placed to build high-quality vehicles which support jobs, growth and exports.
“While the industry looks to 2023 with some optimism, we cannot be complacent as sustained long-term growth is dependent on favourable operating conditions and a competitive framework for automotive manufacturing.”
