Commercial vehicle manufacturing in the UK grew in June, with the 9,549 units driving out of factories representing a 64.4% increase over last year's figure, and 32.7% above the pre-pandemic five-year average.
That’s the sixth consecutive month of increased output, and the highest since 2015, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
That growth has been led by demand from overseas, with exports rising by 133%, with nearly six out of every 10 commercial vehicles built headed for foreign lands - and 92.% of those going to EU countries.
Demand within the UK, which remains robust despite supply issues, increased by 16.7%, with growth in four of the first six months of the year.
In the six months until the end of June, 50,596 units were built in UK factories, up by nearly 50% on the pandemic-affected 2021 figure.
Impressively, that’s 16.7% up on the pre-pandemic average, hitting a 10-year high as production of LCVs is prioritised thanks to booming demand.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive, SMMT:
“The CV sector’s best first half performance in a decade is evidence of its resilience, as manufacturers strive to ensure orders for these vehicles, which are critical to the UK economy, are delivered in a highly challenging economic environment.
At the same time, manufacturers are committed to building a growing range of more fuel-efficient and zero-emission vans, trucks, buses, coaches and taxis, an essential step towards achieving Net Zero, while ensuring society can continue to move.
We must protect the global competitiveness of the sector amid these challenges, however, starting with measures to tackle energy costs, so that the UK continues to be among the world’s leading manufacturers for these vital vehicles.”
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