CV production falls by a quarter

UK commercial vehicle production output fell by 26 per cent in September, as declining business confidence affected production volumes, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

A total of 7,208 vans, trucks, buses and coaches were built in the UK during the month.

Year-to-date production also saw a decline, with output down 11.7 per cent to 61,233 units. However, production for export remained stable, up 3.6 per cent in 2017 with 38,022 units shipped abroad this year – the majority to Europe.

SMMT chief Mike Hawes said: “Domestic demand for commercial vehicles has taken a hit in recent months and this is being mirrored in UK production figures. While fluctuating fleet orders are a natural feature of the market, the decline in business confidence, caused by economic and political uncertainty, has resulted in further disruption to manufacturing output. It is, therefore, critical government safeguards the conditions needed for this vital sector to thrive.