Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows a 39.3% growth in commercial vehicle (CV) production in 2022, when compared with the previous year.
The figures show that 101,600 commercial vehicles were manufactured in the UK last year – the most in a single year since 2012.
After 11 months of consecutive growth, December saw the first decline in output, falling by 23.6%. SMMT attributes this drop to disruptions in global supply chains.
Domestic output grew by 14% year-on-year, but exports to overseas markets saw an even bigger increase by 63.4%.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of SMMT, said: “British CV manufacturing’s best annual performance in a decade is testament to the determination and agility of the sector, which continued to meet strong demand despite extremely challenging operating conditions.
“However, long-term success is contingent on the sector’s ability to remain competitive in the global race to net zero.
“Support to bring down soaring energy costs, encourage investment in zero-emission technologies, and equip our talented workforce with the right skills to deliver these vehicles, will be essential in keeping the nation and economy on the move.”
Looking at the year ahead, it will be interesting to observe whether the dip in production in December will continue into this year and how 2023 will compare to 2022 when it comes to CV manufacturing.
