In good news for the industry, with 6,860 units, UK production has ended January 22.2% above January 2021, in figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
57.5% of British-Built CVs Exported, with Majority Destined for EU Roads
With 6,860 vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches leaving the factory line, the year has started well for UK production. However, put into greater context, the increase is not yet in line with pre-pandemic levels, being a quarter down on January 2019.
This January’s growth was driven by an increase in overseas demand as international markets started to get back to business, with production for export up by a third (32.1%). More than half of all CVs built in the UK last month were shipped abroad. Meanwhile, output for UK customers also rose, up 10.9%, reflecting the ongoing shift to online deliveries and broader economic recovery.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, pleased with the results, said, “The UK’s commercial vehicle sector has once again shown its resilience in the face of myriad challenges, most notably the global shortage of semiconductors. However, the challenges before the sector are immense; ongoing supply chain constraints, soaring energy costs, and highly ambitious zero-emission targets require every measure be taken to secure the industry’s global competitiveness.”
He concluded by adding, “The industry is investing in new technologies, but this investment must be matched with infrastructural investment and a long-term plan. Such an investment will enable us to deliver on our shared decarbonisation goals.”
