UK Commercial Vehicle Production Down by Half in June

Commercial vehicle production in the U.K. fell by 57.2% in June, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 

Manufacturing for both domestic and overseas markets experienced declines in the month, falling 44.7% and 65.4%, respectively. 3,345 vans, trucks and buses left production lines last month, as key model changeovers continued to impact output.

In the first six months of 2020, output fell 15.8% on the same period in 2018. The overall fall was driven by three months of significant decline following a strong start to the year. Domestic production increased by 11.1%, while exports fell 29.2%, with 19,735 units shipped abroad in the first half of the year. However, exports still account for more than half of all U.K. commercial vehicle manufacturing, with the majority destined for the EU.

“Although model changes and fluctuating fleet buying cycles are behind the recent decline, these half-year results once again demonstrate the importance of exports to UK commercial vehicle production,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.” Exports to the EU account for a substantial part of CV output, therefore a Brexit deal that maintains frictionless trade and secures our competitiveness will be key to the future viability of this valuable UK sector.