CV manufacturing down in 2019
UK commercial vehicle manufacturing declined 7.8% in 2019, with 78,270 units leaving production lines.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said the fall in output follows a turbulent year for CV production, as model changeovers, variable fleet buying patterns and regulatory issues combined to affect production numbers.
These issues ensured output for the domestic market declined by seven per cent in the year, with 2,408 fewer UK-built CVs joining British roads. Meanwhile, exports also dropped, down 8.4% to 46,110 units.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “2019 was a turbulent year for British commercial vehicle production, with key model changeovers and some regulatory issues contributing to the falling output. With model changeovers now complete, we expect to see CV output bounce back this year, however, this is reliant on political and economic stability that supports domestic demand.
“Given exports still account for the majority of UK output, with nine in 10 vehicles shipped overseas destined for the EU, we need a trading relationship with Europe that protects this vital pillar of UK manufacturing, and this means a tariff-free trade agreement that puts automotive at its centre.”
