UK commercial vehicle output rises but faces constraints

UK commercial vehicle production rose for the fourth month running in June but output was constrained by a shortage of components and workers caused by the pandemic.

The industry produced 5,808 vehicles, up 39.6% from a year earlier when the UK was in its first, most severe lockdown, the SMMT trade body said. Production in the first half of 2021 was 20.9% lower than the average over the previous five years, affected by the lockdown in the first three months of 2020 and more recent disruption.

SMMT said a shortage of semiconductors and an increase in workers having to self-isolate were affecting the industry. Exports of commercial vehicles in the year to date fell to 48.1% of production from an average of 57.4% before the pandemic.

Mike Hawes, SMMT's chief executive, said, “After a tough start to the year, commercial vehicle production is steadily recovering against a backdrop of increased demand, but still remains short of previous years."