production down in 1972
Page 36
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• Figures released by the SMMT show that total British commercial vehicle production dropped to 408,019 in 1972. This is the lowest figure for the industry since 1967 and in fact less than the 1961 output. Exports too were the lowest since 1967 at 140,000 units.
Production by manufacturer shows that in 1972 Ford became the top producer by overtaking British Leyland. As a percentage Ford built 35.17 per cent of the total, British Leyland 34.34 per cent, Bedford 22.25 per cent, Chrysler UK 5.98 per cent and the independents 2.26 per cent.
Figures of registrations for January '73 also confirm Ford's lead. In January Ford took 33.12 per cent of the market, British Leyland 26.58 per cent and Bedford 18.96 per cent. Significantly foreign commercial vehicles which have rarely exceeded 10 per .cent previously, reached 12.82 per cent.