CV manufacturing sees strongest growth since 2008, says SMMT

Commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing grew 36.9% in May - the sector’s strongest performance since 2008 and marking the second consecutive month of rising output, according to the latest bulletin from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

SMMT also reports that UK car production rose for the fourth consecutive month in May, up 26.9% year on year. Although still down -31.9% on May 2019 figures, 79,046 units left production lines, 16,762 more than in the same month last year.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,

"With ongoing growth in demand for British commercial vehicles, particularly from overseas markets, the sector is bucking challenging economic trends. This is good news and puts the UK’s CV producers in a strong position to deliver green growth for the economy and society. We can’t be complacent, however, and must ensure the UK remains a globally competitive location for advanced manufacturing – with measures still needed to tackle our high cost of energy and to guarantee that the UK has smooth and sustainable trading relationships around the world, especially with the EU.

"With weak GDP growth, high inflation and rising interest rates, it’s crucial that UK car factories stay globally competitive. All political parties must recognise the strategic importance of this sector and back our call for an industrial strategy that supports local production, assures export market access and attracts further investment to safeguard our future."

Last week, SMMT launched its Manifesto 2030: Automotive growth for a zero-emission future which seeks cross-party support for five pledges to drive industrial transformation, mobility for all, upskilling, global trade and clean, affordable energy.