According to figures released by the Society of Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), UK commercial vehicle (CV) production increased 9.8% in November.
Figures revealed that 8,768 units were manufactured and Motor Output for overseas markets were up 43.5%. Production for the domestic market, however, fell again which was down -21.7% as business confidence reportedly remained weak.
Factories reportedly produced 785 more units than in the same month last year, with the increase said to be partly due to the ramp up of key new model production. Year to date, output is -9.3% down, with exports falling by -11.5%. 70,918 CVs have been produced so far this year, with nearly 6 in 10 shipped overseas, highlighting the importance of international trade.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “It has been a turbulent year in the commercial vehicle sector, with political and economic uncertainty contributing to a drop in demand, especially from UK fleets. Operators need stability and confidence to invest so industry looks forward to working with the new government to help deliver an ambitious EU trade deal, which is tariff free, avoids barriers to trade and includes regulatory alignment.”
