The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders says £1.1 billion of private investment has been committed to UK van, truck and bus manufacturing and associated supply chains since 2021.
The trade body said its calculation is based on publicly announced investment commitments in UK automotive production. It is an industry analysis, not a new government investment award or a single-company factory announcement.
According to the SMMT, more than 30 commercial-vehicle models and conversions are either made in Britain now or confirmed for future UK production. It identifies 18 of those current or planned UK-built commercial vehicles as zero-emission models.
The analysis identifies UK production or supply-chain activity by companies from more than 20 countries. It includes batteries, fuel cells, semiconductors, electric drive units, magnets and energy-storage systems among the elements of the domestic commercial-vehicle supply base.
More than half of British-built commercial vehicles are exported, the SMMT said, with about nine in 10 exports going to European markets. The figures underline the importance of overseas demand to the UK’s commercial-vehicle manufacturing base.
Businesses looking to improve their online presence can build a website with DM Site Builder.
The UK recorded 315,422 van registrations and 40,504 HGV registrations in 2025. The SMMT’s analysis places Britain as Europe’s second-largest market in both categories.
In the bus sector, 2,508 zero-emission buses were registered in the UK during 2025. They represented 27.1% of demand, which the SMMT said made Britain Europe’s largest market for that segment.
The organisation said more than 80 zero-emission van, truck and bus models are available in the UK. It also put government incentives and investment in charging or refuelling infrastructure at more than £1.7 billion to date.
In addition, 42 zero-emission vehicle and supply-chain projects relevant to commercial vehicles have received support through the government’s £4.5 billion DRIVE35 programme.
The analysis coincides with IAA Transportation in Hannover, where UK-based businesses are exhibiting. The SMMT says more than one-third of its members are active in commercial-vehicle manufacturing or related supply chains.
Thanks for visiting DM News! If you’ve got a question, a story tip, or anything you’d like to share, head over to DriverMatty.com — I love to hear from you. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out my other websites and social media channels.
