Things might have slowed down a little in March, however, UK commercial vehicle (CV) output stormed ahead in the first quarter of 2024.
Producing commercial vehicles big and small for both the home market and for export, there was an impressive 27.4 per cent lift in new commercial vehicles built in Britain compared to the same period in 2023.
32,626 vans, trucks, taxis, buses, and coaches left production lines in the first three months of the year, a total not seen since 2008.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) says the increased demand was mostly driven by overseas orders.
Exports increased 57.9 per cent to 23,060 units with 90 per cent of those vehicles heading to EU countries.
“It’s good to see UK CV production record its best Q1 performance in some 16 years, a success testament to the determination of manufacturers to deliver for this vital sector, while investing in the latest cutting edge, ultra low and zero emission technology.” – Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.
“Global demand continues for British-built commercial vehicles, emphasizing the need for favourable market conditions to sustain our production capabilities for increasingly green vehicles.”
