British CV production almost a third lower in July

Figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show a fourth successive month of negative growth in Britain’s commercial vehicle (CV) industry, with British CV production declining 31.2 per cent in July. Production for both home and overseas markets fell, by 16.8 per cent and 39.8 per cent respectively, as model changeovers continued to affect factory output.

Just over 5,000 commercial vehicles rolled off production lines last month, some 2,290 fewer units than in the same month in 2018, with the fall driven primarily by the reduction in exports. In the year to date, despite a 6.5 per cent increase in production for domestic buyers, overseas demand has driven output and, with orders down by nearly 10,000 units, it means year-on-year overall volumes have fallen 18.1 per cent since January.

“The relatively small volumes involved in UK commercial vehicle manufacturing make it particularly susceptible to model changes and fluctuating fleet cycles,” comments Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. “However, for the sector to take advantage of the currently buoyant domestic van market and grow overseas orders, which still account for the majority of production, we need to maintain competitive trading conditions to encourage future investment.”