Trailer, Caravan & Car Body Manufacturing in Ireland - Market Size, Industry Analysis, Trends and Forecasts (2025-2029)

Trailer, Caravan & Car Body Manufacturing in Ireland industry analysis

European trailer, caravan, and motor vehicle body manufacturing are struggling against a backdrop of weak demand, with orders from car makers and road transport companies edging downwards. In particular, German, British, French and Spanish vehicle body producers have seen their orders dip in line with falling EU car production – it dropped from  14.6 million units in 2018 to 10.9 million units in 2022, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. After dipping by 4.4% and 2.9% in 2020 and 2021, respectively, EU production tumbled by a further 15.7% in 2022 amid supply shortages and soaring input inflation. Production has also dropped in Britain; according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, British car production plunged by nearly half between 2018 and 2022, from 1.5 million to 775,000 units.

Trends and Insights

• Falling car production reduces orders. European car production has declined since 2018, cutting orders for motor vehicle bodies. Supply chain issues due to semiconductor shortages continue to weigh on output.
• US tariffs will reduce European trailer, caravan and car body exports by making them less competitive. A 25% tariff on European-made vehicles, including caravans, campervans and motorhomes, will significantly raise their prices in the US, likely causing a steep drop in demand and forcing manufacturers to reconsider their export strategies.
• Large manufacturers dominate trailer and vehicle body production. Volvo, Volkswagen, Iveco and Scania control over half of the market. Volvo has a significant market share in the trailer and semi-trailer segment, raising concentration.