CVs made for the domestic market up by 24.4%, while exports fall slightly, down -2.0%
UK commercial vehicle manufacturing grows 8.6% in most productive August since 2012
British commercial vehicle manufacturing grew 8.6% in August as 6,660 units rolled out of UK factories, according to new figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The best August volume for 11 years continues the positive trend, with a fifth consecutive month of rising CV output as manufacturers strive to deliver the latest, greenest models to operators.
Increased output was driven primarily by UK demand, up 24.4% to reach 3,066 units, while exports declined by a marginal -2.0% to 3,594. Despite this, UK commercial vehicle manufacturing continues to be export led, with 54.0% of all output heading overseas last month. The majority of these exports (91.8%) were shipped into the EU – highlighting the importance of stable, tariff-free trade with the bloc to ensure the sector continues to deliver long-term economic growth and well-paid jobs, and to attract further investment to the UK.
In the year to date, UK commercial vehicle manufacturing has reached 74,188 units, a rise of 14.4% on 2022 – rounding off the best first eight months to a year since 2011 and some 62.2% above pre-pandemic levels. Exports have driven this impressive growth, up 23.0%, with 46,789 units exported representing 63.1% of everything made.
