UK Commercial Vehicle Production Increases By 64%

UK Commercial Vehicle Production Increases By 64%

Commercial vehicle built in the UK factories grew by 64.4% in June, with the numbers produced surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Overseas demand has partially driven the demand with exports accounting for 6 in 10 British built commercials.

Output from January to June was the highest since 2012, as manufacturers increase capacity to fulfill the demand of operators renewing their fleets.

Mike Hawes, SMMT (Society of motor manufacturers) chief executive, said: “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.

The increase in production and availability of new commercial vehicles will no doubt have an impact on the recent high prices of burgeoning second hand market which is forecast to drop back to more sustainable levels.

Martin Fryer

Martin Fryer is Managing Director of a specialist haulage company as well as a qualified transport manager with experience across multiple different industries. He holds a BA (Hons) in Logistics and is a chartered member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport.

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