UK commercial vehicles making declines

Data shows that 7,208 vans, trucks, buses and coaches were built last month compared to 9,742 in September 2016 (-26%).

CVs for the home market fell from 4,020 in September last year to 2,710 last month (-32.6%).

Meanwhile, CVs for the export market fell from 5,722 in September 2016 to 4,498 in September 2017 (-21.4%).

Year-to-date production has also seen a decline, with output down 11.7% from 69,342 units to 61,233 units.

Says SMMT chief Mikes Hawes: “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.”