UK commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing output surged 47.9% in August, reversing four successive months of decline, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
New model production coming on stream positively affected August volume, as 5,544 units rolled off production lines, nearly 1,800 more than in the same period last year, the best August result since 2012.
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Output for both export and domestic markets rose, by 71.9% and 17.3% respectively, emphasising the export led nature of British CV production.
Despite the strong performance last month, year to date volume was down 13.4%, driven by a 24.5% fall in overseas orders.
Domestic demand was up 7.5% however but 6,500 fewer units have been made for export since January.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, "It's good news to see commercial vehicle production rebound in August, as new model production ramps up and customers respond to the latest, cleanest vans coming to market.
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By GlobalData"It is still too early to draw any long term conclusions that volume will recover for the year, however."
