Huge growth in UK September commercial vehicle output

Production bounced back to growth following a decline in the traditional low volume ‘summer shutdown’ month of August.

Exports continued to dominate output, accounting for 63.3% of everything made in September, as volumes rose by 37.2% to a total of 9,276 units. In line with the long-term trend, the EU took the bulk of shipments (98.7%), reinforcing the need for smooth trade across the Channel. Production for UK buyers also rose, by 10.1% to 5,367 units.

In the year to date, UK CV plants have produced 93,447 units, a rise of 8.5% on 2023 and the best first nine months since 2008, after supply issues that blighted the second quarter dissipated in Q3.1 Exports have driven overall growth, up 15.1%, more than offsetting a -2.5% decline in output for the domestic market.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “It’s great to see UK plants ramp up CV production after the traditional summer shutdowns. Given it is strong demand from EU markets that drives our output, we must look at ways of improving our relationship with our closest trading partner and, indeed, other global markets. This should be combined with measures to ensure manufacturing competitiveness, so next week’s Budget is the opportunity to outline how government will work with industry to attract the further investment that will underpin growth, jobs and prosperity.”

Advertisement