UK commercial vehicle manufacturing drops despite strong exports

According to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, British commercial vehicle manufacturing declined dropped 4.7% to 7,324 units in June 2017. Year-to-date figures are also down -8.1% to 43,782.

However, exports were up 9.6% in June and 11.9% in the year-to-date. 27,818 of the vans, trucks, buses and coaches built in the UK so far this year have been exported, bolstered by a strong European market, the SMMT reports.

SMMT Chief Executive Mike Hawes said:

While domestic demand eased following years of significant growth, these figures demonstrate the importance of exports to commercial vehicle manufacturing. With such high levels destined for overseas markets, the vast majority going to Europe, maintaining competitive trading conditions with our most significant partner will be vital in order to future-proof the success of the sector.