CV production worst on record
UK commercial vehicle (CV) production declined 45.4% in February, with 4,308 units built.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reported a fifth consecutive month of decline as supply chain shortages, new customs processes and prolonged lockdown measures across the globe affected output, resulting in the worst February on record.
Domestic output fell by 36.8%, while vehicles built for export saw a much sharper drop, down 51.3%, where parts shortages, such as semi-conductors, combined with lockdowns and friction surrounding new trading arrangements drove the decline.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “A fifth consecutive month of decline for UK commercial vehicle production is grim news, but expected given the challenges the automotive sector is facing. As the country reflects on a full year grappling with the pandemic, commercial vehicles have continued to provide a lifeline for myriad essential services and sectors, and with the UK coming out of lockdown soon, they will play a key role getting the country back up to speed.
“We now need to ensure these critical vehicles continue to be made in Britain, which means implementing measures to assure our global manufacturing competitiveness with investment in skills, training and a supportive business environment.”
