Commercial vehicle production declined by 31.2% in July – the fourth successive month that figures have fallen, with falling exports and model changeovers blamed.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that production for home and overseas markets fell by -16.8% and -39.8% respectively. Just over 5,000 commercial vehicles rolled off production lines last month, some 2,290 fewer units than in the same month in 2018.

In the year to date, despite a 6.5% increase in production for domestic buyers, overseas demand has driven output and, with orders down by nearly 10,000 units, it means year-on-year overall volumes have fallen -18.1% since January.

Overall, 40,173 commercial vehicles have been produced, compared to 49,064 over the same period in 2018.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, said: “The relatively small volumes involved in UK commercial vehicle manufacturing make it particularly susceptible to model changes and fluctuating fleet cycles. However, for the sector to take advantage of the currently buoyant domestic van market and grow overseas orders, which still account for the majority of production, we need to maintain competitive trading conditions to encourage future investment.”