Skip advert
Advertisement

'Brexit frustration is changing bosses' tone'

The uncertainty over Brexit is causing concern for car manufacturers, says Steve Fowler

OPINION - Carlos Tavares

There has been a distinct change of tone from car industry bosses in their messages to our Government and EU negotiators over Brexit.

SMMT annouce 'Brexit Readiness Programme' in case of hard Brexit

PSA chief Carlos Tavares (above), responsible for Vauxhall and its Ellesmere Port and Luton plants, plus Peugeot, Citroen, DS and Opel, was blunt when I asked him what his thoughts were on the current situation. “My message to Mrs May and [EU chief negotiator] Monsieur Barnier is that no deal is unacceptable,” he said. “In the interests of British and EU citizens we must have a deal.”

Advertisement - Article continues below

No deal would also mean prices would rise and the number of available models reduce, says Tavares. JLR boss Dr Ralf Speth has been similarlystrident in recent weeks and he told me in Paris: “It’s becoming more and more difficult to justify further investment in the UK due to uncertainty. “Free and fair trade was the best solution 200 years ago – that’s the same now.”

Nissan warned that there would be “serious implications for British industry” if there is no trade deal, while Toyota and MINI have said they would halt production at UK plants to deal with the logistical issues that will ensue from a hard Brexit.

No news is bad news, and we’re currently heading towards a no-deal Brexit that will leave the UK’s car makers – and the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on them for their livelihoods – staring down the barrel of increased costs and job losses. The industry position has been clear throughout: free trade is essential to ensure parts reach factories, that cars reach customers and that prices don’t rise.

The clock is ticking and the industry must plan for our world post-29 March 2019. So instead of dancing across the stage at her party conference, the PM, and Monsieur Barnier, must end the uncertainty now.

For more opinionated articles, visit put dedicated opinion page...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Editor-in-chief

Steve Fowler has been editor-in-chief of Auto Express since 2011 and is responsible for all editorial content across the website and magazine. He has previously edited What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars can expect to be paying roughly £10 more per year, a although the biggest gas guzzlers will fare the worst
26 Mar 2024