Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) data showed an uplift in UK commercial vehicle production in April, with output up 36.8% year on year to 8,629 units.
“Following restructuring in the market, productivity has returned to form, with year to date growth of almost a quarter at 23.6% [to 32,064],” the SMMT said in a statement. “Volumes have also been driven by rising demand from operators in the UK – and increasingly across Europe too.”
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While the production increase in the first quarter was built mainly on growth in the UK market, April saw a 50.1% surge in manufacture for export – to 5,066 vehicles. This was evidence the UK was taking advantage of a rallying European market, with CV registrations across the EU having risen 13% so far this year, the SMMT said.
“These figures are further evidence that commercial vehicle manufacturing in the UK has turned a corner after a period of restructuring,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.
“April’s significant rise in exports is particularly encouraging, as the industry capitalises on increasing demand for vans, trucks and buses across Europe.”
All data from SMMT
UK engine output, meanwhile, fell 7.1% to 202,156 motors in April with YTD production off 2.5% to 847,259.
“Engine manufacturing will play an increasingly important role in the UK automotive sector in the future,” said Hawes.
“More than GBP1bn has been invested by manufacturers in building the next generation of new low emission Euro 6 petrol and diesel engines in British plants and we anticipate this will lead to increased output as these investments are realised.”
