UK commercial vehicle manufacturing down by a fifth in April

UK commercial vehicle manufacturing declined by a fifth (19.9%) to 8,413 units in April, but remains 13.6% up year-to-date.

In fact, the new figures, published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), show that CV production output is up 289.1% on the same period in 2019.

Output year-to-date remains up by 13.6% at 41,039 units – the sector’s best performance since 2010 – driven by robust export demand, up 30.3% on the same period last year, says the SMMT.

Seven in 10 commercial vehicles produced in the first four months were destined for export, with the EU responsible for the lion’s share at 96.8%. 

Manufacturing for UK customers, meanwhile, declined by 12.4% to 12,378 units, but is expected to rise throughout the year as the market stabilises.

Looking at April, production for export declined by 24.1%, with 5,601 units making their way to global markets to represent two thirds (66.6%) of vehicles produced in the month.

The domestic market also saw a fall, albeit at a smaller rate of 9.9%, or just 310 units, on a year ago.

April’s decline, according to the SMMT, reflects some temporary supply chain shortages and normalisation of the market following high levels of pent-up demand post-Covid.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “A second consecutive month of decline for British commercial vehicle production is disappointing, but with supply chain shortages likely to be temporary and BEV (battery electric vehicle) production still set to rise, we expect a return to growth in the latter half of the year. 

“The sector remains in good health, however, thanks to strong demand from overseas markets. 

“With a general election less than two months away and net zero deadlines looming, we look to the next government to ensure market conditions remain favourable to businesses and manufacturing competitiveness is enhanced so the sector can continue to attract the investment necessary to boost production of zero emission vehicles.”