Only 15 commercial vehicles were manufactured in the UK in April, down 99.3% year on year due to the coronavirus shutdown.

Car production plunged a staggering 99.7% in April as just 197 cars were made in Britain during the whole month.

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The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said the 15 CVs were all destined for the UK market with zero exports in the month. 

Year to date commercial vehicle production fell 27.6% year on year to 21,488 units. April 2019 volume fell 70.9% due to planned factory shutdowns timed to mitigate any disruption arising from the then-anticipated March Brexit.

Although vehicle production was halted in April 2020 as key global markets closed, many manufacturers continued to make spare parts and offer repair and maintenance services to help keep essential vehicles on the road and supply chains moving throughout the crisis. 

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "These figures, though unprecedentedly low, are not surprising given the exceptional circumstances. However, they do illustrate the incredible challenge facing the UK commercial vehicle sector and, consequently, the wider economy. Production lines are beginning to roll again but, with strict social distancing measures in place, scaling up to full capacity will be a gradual process. To accelerate a sustainable recovery of this critical and fundamentally strong industry and future proof jobs, we will need government's ongoing support."

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One glint of hope – UK vehicle dealerships were permitted to open from today.