British commercial vehicle production rose 57.0% in the first quarter of 2022, with domestic and overseas markets growing by 42.6% and 70.5% respectively in the latest Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) figures.
Best March for UK Production Since 2011
25,268 vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches rolled out of British factories in the first quarter, which includes 10,130 units in March alone, making for a year-on-year increase of 64.3% for March. Last month also saw commercial vehicle production finally exceed pre-pandemic levels, up 11.3% on 2019’s performance, equating to 1,032 more vehicles built as manufacturers ramped up production.
Growth over the first three months of the year was driven largely by a 70.5% uplift in exported commercial vehicles, with some 5,873 more units heading overseas, while domestic production also increased by a notable 42.6%. This means that than half (56.2%) of all commercial vehicles produced this year have been shipped abroad, with 94.4% of those headed to the EU. During March, exports almost doubled, growing 95.1%, while the percentage of CVs built for UK operators also increased by 33.6%
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Despite the challenges the UK automotive industry continues to face, most notably the global shortage of semiconductors, commercial vehicle manufacturing output is still resolute. Significant demand from both home and overseas for the latest and greenest working vehicles continues and will be aided by new models and technology releases throughout the year. Competitiveness, however, is far from assured and action must be taken now to reduce the potential impact of rising energy and inflation costs, to encourage investment and the long-term future of the sector.”
