UK commercial vehicle production rose by 9.8% in November compared to 2018, which was driven largely by output for the overseas market – production for the home market dropped by more than a fifth.

In November, 8,768 units were built, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Output for overseas markets was up 43.5%, but production for the domestic market fell again, down 21.7% as business confidence remained weak.

Factories produced 785 more units than in the same month last year, with the increase partly due to the ramp up of key new model production.

However, in the year to date, output is 9.3% down, with exports having fallen by 11.5%. In all, 70,918 CVs have been produced so far this year, with nearly six in 10 shipped overseas, highlighting the importance of international trade. UK production is also down year-on-year by 5.9%.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “It has been a turbulent year in the commercial vehicle sector, with political and economic uncertainty contributing to a drop in demand, especially from UK fleets. Operators need stability and confidence to invest so industry looks forward to working with the new government to help deliver an ambitious EU trade deal, which is tariff free, avoids barriers to trade and includes regulatory alignment.”