In the first half of this year, the UK automotive sector produced some 58,675 commercial vehicles (CVs), the highest unit output since 2011. This is according to new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
June marked the third successive period of growth for EV output; this was the best June figure since 2008. While the sector has struggled to get car production back to pre-pandemic levels, CV production is now up 67.0% on the first half of 2019, with this being driven by growing overseas demand. About two thirds of all CVs were shipped overseas, with more than 9 in 10 of these going to the European Union, with Asia and America being the other biggest markets.
The chief executive of the SMMT, Mike Hawes, said about the news:
“Commercial vehicle output has continued to buck the challenging economic conditions, reaching record levels. This is good news for the sector, for jobs and for the wider economy. With growth set to continue, and some positive investment announcements into UK auto recently, there is increased positivity within the industry.”
He added that the industry now needed to build upon this success and maintain its competitiveness, so it can attract the necessary investment needed to build up the supply chain for electric vehicles and establish the country as a leading global player.
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