Commercial vehicle manufacturing in the UK increased 8.5% in 2018

The increase in output follows weaker performances in 2016 and 2017, while strong market incentives ahead of model changes also played a part in boosting output.

Domestic demand increased by 17.9% last year, with an additional 5,248 CVs built for UK operators. Meanwhile, exports grew, up 2.9% to 50,320 units. Almost six out of every 10 vans, trucks, taxis and buses built in the UK in 2018 were exported, with some 93.6% of those going to the EU and 2.3% destined for Asian markets.

December finished 2018 on an exceptional high, with commercial vehicle output up 79.2% as production for home and exports experiencing significant increases, up 175.6% and 40.1%. While the rise in production is considerable, it follows two years of decline in the month and a slow start to 2018, illustrating the dangers of drawing conclusions from a single month’s performance.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Commercial vehicle production ended 2018 on a very positive note, with strong deals ahead of some important model changes securing significant growth in December resulting in a boost to annual volumes. The boost follows two years of declining output, and low volumes at the beginning of the year. With Europe accounting for more than nine out of every 10 commercial vehicles we export, it is clear that maintaining a beneficial trading relationship with the EU is critical. This means securing a deal that will allow this vital sector to continue to thrive.”

SMMT www.smmt.co.uk