More vans, trucks and buses made by UK plants

UK commercial vehicle manufacturing rose by a fifth in April, with almost 7,300 units produced, industry figures have revealed.

Production for export in the month increased by 28.5 per cent, the Society of Motor Manufactures and Traders (SMMT) said, with more than seven in ten commercial vehicles (CVS) destined for international markets. Meanwhile, demand from domestic fleets remained stable, up 0.9 per cent, with 2,124 vans, trucks and buses produced for UK customers.

Year-to-date production figures remain down, however, falling 10.2 per cent on 2017, with manufacturing for domestic and overseas markets declining 21.1 per cent and 4.3 per cent, respectively.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Today’s figures highlight just how dependent the industry is on production for export. If we are to see future longterm growth, government must negotiate the right Brexit deal to ensure our mutual trade remains free and free flowing.”