Data shows that 63.5% of commercial vehicles (CVs) built in Britain were exported, with 27,818 of the 43,782 total produced heading to more than 45 countries.
The top three export markets for UK-built CVs were Europe (94.7%), Israel (1.2%), and Australia (1.1%). Every British van and almost two-thirds of trucks were destined for EU fleets. Meanwhile, more than half of British-built buses were destined for Asia and 35.1% for America.
SMMT chief Mike Hawes said: “It’s positive to see such strong growth in CV exports, however, with almost every British-built van and truck destined for Europe, this reiterates the critical need to secure a new trading relationship that ensures this important sector can remain competitive.
“The British and European vehicle manufacturing industries are highly integrated, and a beneficial relationship will take time to negotiate. This is why we need government to seek an interim arrangement that will maintain our place within the single market and customs union until this can be achieved.”
British-built CV exports rise in first half of 2017
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Exports of British-built vans, trucks and buses rose 11.6% in the first six months of 2017, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
