- British commercial vehicle production grows by 39.3% to
101,600 units in 2022, the best annual performance since 2012.
- Output for overseas markets surges 63.4%, with production for
UK increasing by 14.0% in the year.
- December manufacturing posts first decline of the year, down
-23.6% from supply chain disruption.
UK commercial vehicle (CV) production grew 39.3% in 2022,
with 101,600 vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches leaving
factory lines, according to the latest figures published today by
the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Closing
off the year, turbulence in global supply chains and logistics
issues saw December post 2022’s first monthly decline, as output
fell -23.6% to 4,710 units after 11 months of consecutive growth.
Nevertheless, the sector recorded its best annual output since
2012, up 29.8% on 2019’s pre-pandemic production figures –
testament to the resilience of CV manufacturers in meeting demand
despite global part and component shortages, logistics
challenges, and economic and political disruption.1
Output for the domestic market rose by 14.0% year-on-year to
40,409 units, but overall growth was driven largely by export
demand, with vehicles built for overseas markets up 63.4% to
record their highest share of production (60.2%) since
2017.2 Europe was undoubtedly the UK CV sector’s
biggest overseas customer, responsible for 92.8% of all total
exports (56,812 units).3 Meanwhile, 1,336 CVs were
shipped to Asia, 1,240 went to the US, and 1,060 to Australia and
New Zealand combined.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief
Executive, 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 ahead to 2023,
volumes are expected to grow significantly, notably on the back
of new model activity and an increase in electric van production.
This boost is set to see manufacturing surpass 160,000 units in
2023.4
Notes to editors
1 Full-year 2012 production figures: 112,039 units -
Full-year 2019 CV production figures: 78,270 units
2 2017 export share: 62.5%
3 Full-year export figures for Europe: 56,812
units
4 Based on SMMT development of AutoAnalysis light
vehicle outlook
