Pings and shortages stunt commercial vehicle production

The ‘pingdemic’ and a global semiconductor shortage are both standing in the way of a recovery in UK commercial vehicle production, with figures showing a 21% reduction on the pre-pandemic average.

The SMMT said 5,808 units rolled off the lines in June, an increase of 39.6% compared to the same month in 2020.

However, overall production for the first six months of 2021 was hampered by the UK-wide lockdown between January and March and then ongoing shortages in the supply chain.

Read more

• UK commercial vehicle production hits “grim” record low in February, SMMT reveals
• Cut to plug-in grant ‘a blow for commercial vehicle sector’, says BVRLA
• New year sees commercial vehicle manufacturing continue to slide

Mike Hawes, SMMT 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.

“The shortage of semiconductors continues to impact on output, and the sector faces a significant challenge as increasing numbers of workers find themselves being asked to self-isolate.

“However, van production levels remain strong, and recent long-term investment announcements will ensure the UK retains a healthy commercial vehicle manufacturing sector.”

The SMMT also said commercial vehicle exports fell to 48.1% of production, down from 57.4% over the average recorded before the pandemic.