The first half of 2022 has seen commercial vehicle manufacturing in the UK grow by nearly 50% on the pandemic-affected 2021’s figure.

A huge 9,549 units drove out of British factories in June, representing a 64.4% increase over last year’s figure and 32.7% above the pre-pandemic five-year average. According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), that’s the sixth consecutive month of increased output and the highest individual month since 2015.

Overseas demand has led the growth, with exports rising by 133%. Almost six out of every 10 commercial vehicles built in the UK were headed to foreign lands, with 92% being delivered to territories in the EU.

Despite some well-publicised supply chain issues, domestic demand remains robust, with growth in four of the first six months of 2022 contributing to the growth of 16.7% for the year to date.

Many manufacturers prioritise LVC production thanks to the boom in demand, with 50,596 units being built in UK factories in the first half of the year. That’s up on the pre-pandemic average and hitting a 10-year high.

UK Commercial Vehicle Production Hits 10-Year High

“The CV sector’s best first half performance in a decade is evidence of its resilience, as manufacturers strive to ensure orders for these vehicles, which are critical to the UK economy, are delivered in a highly challenging economic environment,” commented Mike Hawes, chief executive at the SMMT. “At the same time, manufacturers are committed to building a growing range of more fuel-efficient and zero-emission vans, trucks, buses, coaches and taxis, an essential step towards achieving Net Zero, while ensuring society can continue to move. We must protect the global competitiveness of the sector amid these challenges, however, starting with measures to tackle energy costs, so that the UK continues to be among the world’s leading manufacturers for these vital vehicles.”

Phil Huff
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