UK commercial vehicle manufacturing output fell by 23% during the first half of 2014, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT):
| CV manufacturing | Jun-13 | Jun-14 | % Change | YTD-13 | YTD-14 | % Change |
| Total | 8,507 | 6,348 | -25.4% | 48,664 | 37,460 | -23.0% |
| Home | 3,674 | 3,054 | -16.9% | 24,021 | 18,598 | -22.6% |
| Export | 4,833 | 3,294 | -31.8% | 24,643 | 18,862 | -23.5% |
| % export | 56.8% | 51.9% | 50.6% | 50.4% |
Source: SMMT
As the figures in the table show, the proportion of vehicles made for export has remained relatively constant compared to the first half of last year, at just over 50%, although June did see a small rise in export orders, compared to June 2013.
2013 was of course a year of considerable restructuring (capacity reduction and closures) in the UK CV manufacturing industry. That’s perhaps the main reason why there has been such a steep comparative decline — this year’s figures are likely to be the new normal…
Source: SMMT
Commenting on the figures, Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, claims that despite the poor figures, there are signs of optimism:
“UK commercial vehicle manufacturing figures continue to be swayed by operational restructuring in 2013 and the pull-forward of demand in the heavy commercial sector. There are signs of optimism, however, with double-digit growth in European commercial vehicle registrations, and the emergence of new products and investments across the sector.”
Mr Hawes is right to point out that CV registrations have risen in the UK and Europe this year, thanks to rising demand for new vans, but I’m not sure how much effect this will have on the UK’s CV manufacturers, as there are now very few volume manufacturers, except — notably — Vauxhall, which continues to make the Vivaro van at its Luton plant.