CV production down 61% in May
UK commercial vehicle production was down 61.6% in May, with 810 vehicles leaving factory gates. This is according to the latest figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Many plants remained closed in the month, while others resumed operations at a reduced capacity. The fall in output follows a particularly weak May 2019, which saw a 69.9% decline due to key model changeovers.
Year-to-date commercial vehicle output has fallen 29.8% compared with the first five months of 2019.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “With many plants still shut and those open operating at reduced capacity, these figures illustrate the need for urgent support to drive a successful restart. Measures to drive demand, boost liquidity and facilitate short-time working as production ramps up are essential for light and heavy commercial vehicle makers as well as the struggling bus sector. Restoring operator confidence is key to fleet renewal and thus ambitions for a green recovery.”
