British commercial vehicle factories enjoy bumper August

The UK’s commercial vehicle manufacturing sector enjoyed its best August in a decade, according to new figures. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows the number of vans, taxis and buses built on these shores almost doubled compared with the same month last year.

A total of 6,132 such vehicles rolled off production lines in the UK during the month of August, up from 3,179 during the same period last year. However, the SMMT admits last August’s output was negatively affected by a global shortage of semiconductors caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

That 92.9 percent increase means the sector has now grown for eight consecutive months in 2022, while the number of vehicles produced is the highest August figure for the industry since 2012. According to the SMMT, the majority of the growth came from the van market, while demand for trucks and buses was also strong.

In total, the SMMT’s figures show just under 65,000 new commercial vehicles were built in the UK during the first eight months of the year. That’s an increase of more than 50 percent compared with the same period last year, when 43,122 vehicles rolled off British production lines.

Growth has, predictably, been strong across the board, but increasing demand from foreign customers appears to be fuelling that increase. During the first two thirds of 2022, the number of vehicles built in the UK for customers abroad increased by almost 75 percent, or around 16,000 units, compared with the same period last year. The number of commercial vehicles built for UK customers increased by more than 25 percent – the equivalent of more than 6,500 vehicles.

More on commercial vehicle production in the UK:

UK commercial vehicle production enjoyed best July for six years

UK commercial vehicle sector enjoys best first half-year in a decade

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The SMMT says the growth is predominantly down to “robust demand” from fleet operators and the UK manufacturing industry’s ability to supply vehicles despite global supply disruptions and economic headwinds. The organisation’s chief executive, Mike Hawes, said the result was pleasing for the industry, but the sector will soon face difficulties caused by the energy crisis.

“Despite the toughest operating conditions in living memory, the UK’s commercial vehicle manufacturing output continues to grow, fuelled by strong demand and supported by easing disruption,” said Hawes. “However, spiralling energy costs pose a long term threat to the sector and its efforts to deliver zero emission transport. Government measures will provide short-term respite, but we need long-term action that will restore stability and boost our international competitiveness.”

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