UK commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing grew by 36.9% in May as 10,813 vans, buses, lorries, coaches and taxis left British factories, according to new figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
The sector’s performance was the strongest in May since 2008, surpassing a 10-year high for the past month and marking the second consecutive month of higher output.
Growth was driven by production for export last month, with a significant 48.1% rise in the number of CVs shipped abroad, at 7,943 units. More than seven in 10 (73.5%) British self-made CVVs left UK shores – 93.6% of them were exported to EU markets. More vehicles were also built for UK operators, meanwhile, with volumes increasing 13.1% to 2,870 units.
Manufacturers have produced 46,927 units so far in 2023, up 14.3% from the same period last year, and 47.6% higher than that in 2019. New electric truck manufacturing plant launched.
Mike Howes, CEO of SMMT, said: “With continued growth in demand for British commercial vehicles, particularly from overseas markets, the sector is bucking challenging economic trends. This is good news and puts UK CV producers in a strong position to drive green growth for the economy.” However, we cannot be complacent, and we must ensure that the UK remains a globally competitive site for advanced manufacturing – with measures still required to address our high cost of energy and to ensure that the UK has smooth and sustainable trading relationships around the world, Especially with the European Union.
