British commercial vehicle manufacturing grew by almost 30 per cent in the first six months of the year, according to figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Almost 50,000 commercial vehicle were built between January and June – a 29.9 per cent growth compared to the same period in 2014.
According to SMMT, growth has been fuelled by demand both in the UK and Europe, with production for the domestic market rising 31.6 per cent and exports recording a 28.3 per cent increase so far in 2015.
“Today’s figures are encouraging for the sector, with demand for British-built vans, trucks and buses all on the rise,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.
“The UK commercial vehicle industry has experienced some turbulence in the recent past, with restructuring of some operations and changes to type approval affecting output. It is good to see the recovery continuing, and we are optimistic about the future with demand continuing to grow both in the UK and in Europe.”