Production of commercial vehicles in the UK declined by 2.9% in the first half of the year, according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
A total of 56,956 vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches rolled off production lines between January and June, compared to the same period in 2023.
The SMMT attributed the decrease to a slowdown following a strong performance last year as the automotive industry recovered from the pandemic.
Despite the decline, overall production remains significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, driven by increased export demand and investment in new models and technologies.
Overseas shipments of UK-built commercial vehicles rose by 3.6% to 39,168 units in the first half of the year, with the European Union accounting for the majority of exports.
However, the domestic market contracted by 14.8% over the same period.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “While a decline in output is always disappointing, some normalisation following the CV sector’s rapid post-pandemic recovery was expected. The sector remains in good health with strong global demand for high quality British-built CVs and plants ramping up EV production to meet current and future needs. However, the sector will not rest on its laurels and will work with the new government to deliver the favourable industrial, trade and market conditions that are essential if manufacturers are to drive economic growth and decarbonisation in every part of the country.”
Industry forecasts predict a gradual increase in commercial vehicle production in the coming years, with the potential to exceed 130,000 units by 2030.
Recent figures, also released by the SMMT, show that For continues to lead the way for van registrations with the Ford Transit Custom maintaining its position as the most popular van on sale in Britain today. Ford also occupies second position with the Ford Transit large van and the Ford Ranger pick-up truck the third most popular commerical vehicle on British roads.
The year-to-date market figures also show that registrations of new BEV vans is down 0.5% compared to last year. So far registrations are at 4.7%, compared to 5.2% last year.
