UK commercial vehicle production ended its growth run in February after supply chain constraints restricted production.

UK CV production will be significantly boosted later this year when Ellesmere Port comes on stream as a Stellantis electric van production centre

Output last month fell by 21.6% to 6,491 units on the back of a large rise in February last year, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The sector had seen 11 months of consecutive growth in 2022, excluding December, while January 2023 had brought further strong growth.

February’s decline saw export volumes dropped by 18.6%, while output for the UK fell more steeply, down 24.7%.

It’s only expected to be a temporary blip though and the SMMT forecast is for volumes to increase significantly over the full year – boosted particularly when Vauxhall’s Ellesmore Port plant morphs into a Stellantis electric van production centre later this year.

Year-to-date figures show some 15,790 units have been built, up 4.3% on the first two months of 2022, thanks to January’s high performance. Both the export and domestic markets were up, increasing 7.2% and a more marginal 0.9% respectively.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said February’s decline was disappointing but reaffirmed that the fall should be temporary.

“UK automotive manufacturers continue to show resilience against persistent supply chain and economic challenges and will push to deliver the latest and cleanest CVs to customers at home and abroad,” he continued. “But success isn’t yet guaranteed, so we look now to government to provide a framework of measures that boost the industry’s long-term competitiveness and encourage inward investment to drive electrification for this vital sector.”

A new report from the SMMT was launched in March to provide a blueprint for how the UK can boost its electric vehicle manufacturing in the face of fierce global competition.

The Race to Zero: Powering Up Britain’s EV Supply Chain document highlights Britain’s electric vehicle investment advantages but warns of fierce competition as other countries boldly back their own industries. It shows the need to scale up capacity rapidly to secure the UK’s long-term electric car future.