Figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have highlighted an ongoing reduction in the number of commercial vehicles (CV) being built in the UK.

The organisation's latest update for January showed an annual 14.6 per cent decline in CV output to 6,681 vehicles, with a reduction in trade for both domestic and export markets during the course of the month.

Changes to legislation regarding the introduction of new Euro-6 engine emissions were cited as the main driver of January's lull in volumes, with the market predicted to stabilise throughout the remainder of 2014 and pick up once more.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, commented: "While van production was strong in the month, the 2014 market will, for some months, continue to be affected by the Europe-wide restructuring that occurred last year."

He added the heavy CV market was the main area affected by production shortfalls last month.

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Posted by Clare Lafferty, Account Manager, The Fuelcard People.