UK commercial vehicle production increases in best year since 2008

UK commercial vehicle (CV) production grew by 4% in 2024, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Despite a subdued fourth quarter, output reached its highest level in 16 years, with 125,649 vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches leaving factory lines.

Over the full year, production for export increased by 6.6%, reaching 82,097 units. 

Almost two thirds (65.3%) of output was allocated to international markets, an increase of 1.6 percentage points on the previous year. 

The EU accounted for 97.8% of all exports after volumes rose 10.8% to 80,291 units.

Production for the UK, meanwhile, fell by 0.8% – equivalent to 333 vehicles – with 43,552 British-built CVs making their way onto UK roads. 

The decline, says the SMMT, highlights the need to encourage greater uptake of new CVs – especially zero emission models – to ensure the UK stays on track to hit its environmental goals and support investment in British automotive manufacturing.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “The best British CV manufacturing performance since 2008 is testament to the sector’s agility, and, as the global pursuit of zero emission road transport intensifies, it must now adjust to new challenges. 

“Anchoring automotive manufacturing in the UK will drive long term economic growth, and that must start with creating ambitious industrial and trade strategies that deliver the competitive production base, healthy domestic market and export conditions needed to provide a return on investments.”

However, while the SMMT revealed that CV output is growing, car production fell 13.9% to 779,584 units in 2024.