Commercial vehicle (CV) manufacturing in the UK fell again last month.

Statistics released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and traders (SMMT) showed output dropped by 22.1 per cent compared to the same period in 2013. In total, 6,325 units were produced.

The results marked the eighth month in succession that CV manufacturing has fallen across the country, as EU restructuring regulations continue to have an effect across both domestic and European markets. The study also found year-to-date production volumes are now 18.4 per cent lower than at the same point in 2013.

Mikes Hawes, chief executive at SMMT, said: "There are still tough months ahead, but if growth in mainland Europe strengthens, there may be light at the end of the tunnel."

His comments came after the study found exporting increased by 4.5 per cent last month. In February, 52 per cent of CVs manufactured in the UK were sent abroad, compared to 48 per cent the year before.