British commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing declined -16.7% year on year in 2017 as 78,219 vans, trucks, buses and coaches left production lines, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

Domestic demand fell to its lowest point since 2009, down -25.0%, at 29,320 units. The decline reflected a fall in business confidence and fluctuating buying cycles which are a natural feature of this market.

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Meanwhile, 48,899 CVs were produced for export, a fall of -10.8%. But exports accounted for 62.5% of overall production – up from 58.4% in 2016 – the largest proportion in eight years.

The EU remained the UK's largest market, taking 94.1% of exports, with the majority made for European Union countries.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: "Fluctuating fleet purchasing cycles, alongside declining confidence among operators in the CV market, affected production in 2017. British CV manufacturing continues to make a vital contribution to the economy with an increasing proportion [exported]."

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