CV production suffers autumn slowdown

UK commercial vehicle (CV) production was down 5.2% in September, according to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

It found that 11,352 vans, buses, trucks, coaches and taxis rolled out of factory gates, with the fall set against a particularly strong September last year, which was the best since 2011.

Despite this, year-to-date UK CV production is buoyant, rising 11.4% to 85,540 units – 61.1% above the same period in 2019 and representing the best first nine months since 2011.

Domestic orders drove the increase with a 10.3% rise to 5,124 units, while exports fell 15.1% to 6,228 units.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive,said: “Despite a fall in September, UK CV production is showing strong recovery following the pandemic and subsequent supply shortages that bedevilled factories for months. Robust demand from both the UK and overseas markets, in particular the EU, has driven production with the output being increasingly electrified. However, with tougher Rules of Origin coming into force in January, the prospect of punitive tariffs is a clear and present danger. An urgent and sensible resolution is needed, else both the UK and EU CV industries will face severe competitiveness challenges and consumers increased costs.”

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