UK commercial vehicle (CV) production increased by 16.9% in March, as 6,166 units left factory gates, according to the latest figures released yesterday by the
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
CV manufacturing saw its first month of growth since September 2020, marking the one-year anniversary since the coronavirus pandemic first caused plant closures in mid-March last year.
However, output for the month remains significantly reduced on pre-pandemic levels, down 32.2% on a March average taken over the previous five years.
Production for both domestic and overseas markets saw an increase, with CVs destined for export experiencing a slower recovery, up 3.2% compared to 34.7% for the UK market. Renewed lockdown restrictions in other key markets and the added administrative burden of the new UK-EU trading arrangements with the EU took their toll on exports, amounting to less than half of all commercial vehicles built in the month for the first time since June 2020.
Performance over the first quarter has seen output fall 24.7% to 16,090 units, with some 5,264 fewer vehicles manufactured compared to this time last year.
SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “One year since the coronavirus pandemic first caused a nationwide lockdown, we are starting to see signs of recovery, with growth in commercial vehicle production for the first time in six months being very welcome. March 2021 was always going to be up, as last year’s output was hit so badly by shuttered factories.
While manufacturers are working hard to make up for production lost last year, getting back to pre-pandemic levels will take time as many LCV key export markets have new lockdown restrictions in place.
“Fleet renewal remains crucial to returning the CV sector to growth, especially as manufacturers are investing heavily in new zero-emission capable technologies that support operator and driver needs.
“The pace of this transformation can also ensure the UK remains an attractive and globally competitive destination for commercial vehicle manufacturing.”