Commercial vehicle makers in the UK have reiterated calls for urgent action on market regulation and business calls as new figures show a drop in output for October.
Published a day after the Government confirmed a “fast-track” review of the ZEV mandate regulations on zero-emission van targets following Stellantis’ announcement of plans to close its Luton plant, the new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show UK CV manufacturing fell by 3.9% last month, following September’s return to growth.
A total of 12,387 vans, buses, trucks, coaches and taxis rolled out of factory gates in October; 503 fewer vehicles than last year.
The decline is set against a high-performing October 2023 when production volumes jumped 47.5%, making it the month’s highest output since 2008.
This October however still recorded the second-best monthly performance since 2008 while the year-to-date output is up 6.9% to 105,834 units – a 16-year high.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Despite the concerning recent announcements, UK commercial vehicle manufacturers continue to demonstrate resilience, with the sector achieving its strongest 10-month performance since 2008, despite a slight dip in October.”?
Hawes said fluctuations in monthly output are inevitable, as plants and production processes align to deliver next-generation zero-emission vans, trucks and buses.
But he added: “Sustained success will hinge on preserving the sector’s global competitiveness, so we must foster the conditions necessary to attract investment which include affordable energy costs, support for the skills transition and robust domestic demand for electrified commercial vehicles that meet operator needs and the targets set out in the UK’s ambitious mandate regulation.”
