UK CV making dives in August

UK commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing fell -12.2% in August, according to figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 3,185 CVs were built in Britain, compared with 3,628 units in the same month of 2015 as the market readjusted following particularly strong growth in 2015.

September 22, 2016

UK commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing fell 12.2% in August, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 3,185 CVs were built in Britain, compared with 3,628 units in the same month of 2015 as the market readjusted following particularly strong growth in 2015.

August production for domestic and overseas markets declined, with demand down 4% to 1,883 and 21.9% to 1,302, respectively. However, exports output in the year-to-date remains ahead, up 2.9% to 30,974 on the same period in 2015, with more than half (52.2%) of UK-built CVs destined for international markets.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Underlying demand for UK CV production is broadly stable, despite the headline falls that are predominantly due to a strong performance in 2015 driven by regulatory changes that altered fleet renewal patterns. It’s a trend we expect to continue throughout the year. For long term strength to be upheld, maintaining competitive trading conditions and global demand will be vital.”