Samuel OskysCarlos Tavares informed the Financial Times that Vauxhall has alternative plants for use. This move would threaten 1,000 jobs leading to the closure of the Ellesmere Port Site.
Mr Tavares commented further “Frankly I would prefer to put it [the Astra car] in Ellesmere Port but if the conditions are bad and I cannot make it profitable then I have to protect the rest of the company”
The car industry continues to decline in the UK with the threat of a no-deal Brexit becoming more of a reality. Recently appointed Michael Gove commented the government was now “working on the assumption” of a no-deal Brexit. Despite his team working towards a deal in Brussels he added:
No deal is now a very real prospect.
Brexit Effect on the UK Car Industry
The car industry lobby group, the society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders recently stated that a “no-deal Brexit is simply not an option.”
But despite this car production has been declining in the UK for the past year among the uncertainty of the industry’s future in the UK. Honda has announced the closure of plants in Swindon set for 2021.
Ford has also followed with its engine plant in south Wales set to close in 2020 resulting in the loss of 1,700 jobs.
Nissan, the Japanese car producers have now also commented that Brexit is not helping them plan for the future, with the company opting to build the next model in Japan instead of Sunderland.
Image Source by BT
