CV manufacturing up 17.2% in October

UK commercial vehicle production increased to 7,892 units in October, according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). October’s 17.2 per cent growth in output, the highest uplift since June this year, follows a weak October 2020 where operators delayed fleet renewal due to issues relating to the pandemic and uncertainty over a no-deal Brexit.

October’s rise was driven by domestic demand, which grew by 29.8 per cent, whilst the number of CVs built for export also increased, but by a more modest 6.8 per cent. Throughout 2021, export share has decreased from 56.1 per cent in 2020 to 51.3% per cent, with output for UK buyers continuing to accelerate faster than those abroad.

Year-to-date, some 58,813 CVs have been produced, an increase of 15.6 per cent against a Covid-hit 2020. When compared to the five-year pre-coronavirus average, however, output remains 18.0 per cent down, with ‘pingdemic’ staff shortages earlier in the year and the ongoing impact of the semiconductor shortage, both resulting from the global pandemic, continuing to constrain CV production.

“Significant growth in CV production during October comes as welcome news, but it must be viewed in context against a weak month in 2020,” says Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. “The sector is not immune from the ongoing challenges caused by the pandemic and, most notably, the semiconductor shortage and there remains plenty of uncertainty in the months ahead. UK manufacturers are committed to doing all they can to keep production lines operational, getting more of the latest, cleanest CVs onto our roads, and boosting fleet renewal which will go a long way to improving air quality in urban areas.”