UK commercial vehicle production remained resilient last month, down just 3.9% compared to a bumper October 2023.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Trader, 12,387 light commercial vehicles were manufactured last month.
This is just 503 fewer than the same month last year, when output jumped 47.5% to make it the best performing month since 2008.
Exports dominated output with more than three in five vehicles built destined for overseas markets in the month, although shipments declined by 11.6% to 7,680 units. Meanwhile, output for the domestic market grew by 11.9% to 4,707 units.
Year to date, CV manufacturing is up 6.9% to 105,834 units on the same period in 2023, making it the best first 10 months for 16 years.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Despite the concerning recent announcements, UK commercial vehicle manufacturers continue to demonstrate resilience, with the sector achieving its strongest 10-month performance since 2008, despite a slight dip in October.
“Fluctuations in monthly output are inevitable, however, reflecting the realignment of plants and production processes to deliver next generation zero emission vans, trucks and buses.
“Sustained success will hinge on preserving the sector’s global competitiveness, so we must foster the conditions necessary to attract investment which include affordable energy costs, support for the skills transition and robust domestic demand for electrified commercial vehicles that meet operator needs and the targets set out in the UK’s ambitious mandate regulation.”
