The future of electric vehicle production in the UK is under threat unless the Government reworks the Brexit deal, Vauxhall parent Stellantis has warned.
Ford has admitted the UK’s departure from the EU has not helped the production of its electric E-Transit Custom. / Hans Schep, general manager Ford Pro Europe, said: “Brexit is not making our life easier.”
Dozens of companies have cut jobs, beefed up their European operations or issued warnings on the impact of the UK's departure from the EU.
The price spike comes amid warnings from hauliers that delays at Calais and other French ports are set to deteriorate further.
Car manufacturers appear to be hitting the accelerator out of Britain as the country moves toward an exit from the European Union. More than 1,000 jobs are set to be lost at Ford's engine plant in Wales, German auto-maker BMW is reportedly considering the viability of its Mini plant in Oxford while Nissan wants the U.K. government to guarantee suppliers for its plant in North East England.
Ford has been stockpiling vehicles in the UK and moving engines in to Europe in advance of a hard Brexit.
Firms including BMW and Toyota warn of potential UK job losses and plant closures.
As the prospect of no deal looms, even the promises of aid offered by the May government seem a distant memory.
No-deal Brexit will be ‘lose-lose’ for UK and Boris Johnson must compromise, warns BMW chief
12/09/2019
BMW has previously warned that a no-deal Brexit could stop production of the Mini at its Cowley plant, where 4,500 jobs would be at risk.
The UK is struggling to build a battery industry—and its new isolation isn't helping.
Disorderly departure 'would be a disaster for the automotive industry in the UK and within that of course I count Ford Motor Company,' says company's Europe Chairman. / Ford has warned it will reconsider its UK investments if MPs cannot agree a Brexit deal that guarantees a smooth departure from the EU.
Vauxhall carmaker Stellantis warns of ‘significant job losses’ if Brexit deal is not amended
17/05/2023
Stellantis has committed to making electric vehicles in the UK but it is no longer able to meet Brexit trade rules on where parts are sourced.
US car giant tells Theresa May it is preparing alternative manufacturing sites abroad.
British motorists will have to pay up to £1,700 more for two popular Ford models this year after they were hit by new post-Brexit tariffs.
Ministers condemned for hiding £61m aid package for Nissan to build new cars in UK after Brexit
04/02/2019
Letter revealing the financial support is finally released – more than two years after No 10 insisted had been no ‘special deal’.
David Bailey examines the potential impact of new ‘rules of origin’ requirements for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) under the Brexit trade deal, arguing that tariffs on UK-EU BEV trade would be self-defeating when both the UK and the EU are trying to encourage a switch to electric vehicles in order to reach net zero.
News comes as Jaguar Land Rover reveals plans to shut UK plants in April due to potential disruption.
From NHS staff shortages to export woes, the effects of the 2016 vote are still being felt.
Britain and the EU are holding negotiations over the issue but Brussels is expected to maintain a hardline until the autumn.
Britain should continue following EU car regulations to avoid extra costs for consumers, says the boss of Ford. / Tim Slatter's comments come as car manufacturers prepare for the first major review of Britain's post-Brexit trade deal with the EU.
Rishi Sunak is facing fresh demands to improve the UK’s Brexit deal with the EU.