Motor industry sets out post-Brexit plans
With one year to go until the UK leaves the EU, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders set out its priorities.
The move follows agreement of a Brexit transition period, designed to allow business to continue as usual while a new UK-EU trading relationship is negotiated.
While the deal provides some welcome breathing space, the industry now seeks rapid progress on key automotive concerns to avoid another cliff edge on 31 December 2020.
With decisions on new vehicle models in the UK due in the next 12 months, it is essential that both industry and government do all they can to secure this investment and safeguard the thousands of jobs that accompany such decisions.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Last week’s deal on the transition period was essential, providing a short term boost and a degree of certainty for investors.
The next major hurdle will be securing a new, comprehensive trade agreement with the EU and our partners across the world. In the meantime, government must help make the UK as competitive as possible.
Government’s Industrial Strategy and Automotive Sector Deal are positive steps but we need concrete action if we are to stay ahead in what is an intensely competitive global environment. New figures out today show the positive impact our industry has on other sectors so it is vital that automotive competitiveness is front of mind for policy makers.”
Remaining part of the single market and customs union, continued access to EU talent, and the ability to benefit from preferential EU trade agreements with third countries remain the UK Automotive industry’s priorities in the future EU-UK relationship.
Equally important, however, is the need for the UK to maintain influence within EU regulations, both during transition and after Brexit, as critical decisions are taken on shared issues such as CO2 and data – issues which will ultimately affect UK consumers, exporters and other businesses.
Published: by Radio NewsHub