December 2024 UK Commercial Vehicle Manufacturing

Thursday 30 January, 2025 

UK commercial vehicle (CV) production grew by 4.0% in 2024, with 125,649 vans, trucks, taxis, buses and coaches leaving factory lines, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Despite a subdued fourth quarter, output reached its highest level in 16 years – helped by a ramp up in production of new models and solid growth in the EU supporting exports.¹

Over the full year, production for export increased by 6.6%, reaching 82,097 units. Almost two thirds (65.3%) of output was allocated to international markets, an increase of 1.6 percentage points on the previous year, demonstrating the importance of smooth trade, notably across the Channel. The EU accounted for 97.8% of all exports after volumes rose 10.8% to 80,291 units.

Production for the UK, meanwhile, fell by -0.8% – equivalent to 333 vehicles – with 43,552 British-built CVs making their way onto UK roads. The decline highlights the need to encourage greater uptake of new CVs – especially zero emission models – to ensure the UK stays on track to hit its environmental goals and support investment in British automotive manufacturing.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said,

The best British CV manufacturing performance since 2008 is testament to the sector’s agility, and, as the global pursuit of zero emission road transport intensifies, it must now adjust to new challenges. Anchoring automotive manufacturing in the UK will drive long term economic growth, and that must start with creating ambitious industrial and trade strategies that deliver the competitive production base, healthy domestic market and export conditions needed to provide a return on investments.

Notes to editors

1 Production figures, 2008: 202,896 units; Production figures, 2019: 78,270 units