UK commercial vehicle output fell by over a fifth in the first month of 2013, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Just 7,822 units were produced in total. CV output for export fell by 37.2% in January, while there’s slightly better news for the home market, where output for the domestic sector rose by 3.2%.
Interim SMMT Chief Executive Mike Baunton said: “Manufacturing of commercial vehicles in the UK covers a diverse spectrum of vehicles from light panel vans to heavy trucks, as well as minibuses, double-deckers and luxury coaches.
“UK registrations of trucks were strong through most of 2012, but dropped off in the final quarter impacting output. However, domestic demand for buses and coaches grew significantly through 2012 on the back of government incentives and a wider focus on public transport.”