Commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing output grew by more than a quarter in September, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
It found that 14,643 vans, buses, trucks, coaches and taxis rolled out of UK factories, representing an increase of 25.9%.
Exports continued to dominate output, accounting for 63.3% of everything made in September as volumes rose by 37.2% to a total of 9,276 units. Production for UK buyers also rose, by 10.1% to 5,367 units.
In the year to date, UK commercial vehicle plants have produced 93,447 units, a rise of 8.5% on 2023 and the best first nine months since 2008, after supply issues that blighted the second quarter dissipated in quarter three. Exports have driven overall growth, up 15.1%, more than offsetting a 2.5% decline in output for the domestic market.
Commercial vehicles
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “It’s great to see UK plants ramp up commercial vehicle production after the traditional summer shutdowns. Given it is strong demand from EU markets that drives our output, we must look at ways of improving our relationship with our closest trading partner and, indeed, other global markets.
“This should be combined with measures to ensure manufacturing competitiveness, so the Budget is the opportunity to outline how government will work with industry to attract the further investment that will underpin growth, jobs and prosperity.”
