A year before Brexit kicks in, it is essential that both industry and government do all they can to secure new model production in Britain, said the SMMT. Thousands of jobs depend on a good deal for the auto sector, it said, as new figures from the Production Outlook, predict there will be modest fall in UK vehicle production to 1.729 million in 2018 and 1.713 million in 2019 before production … [Read more...]
Lots to sort in BREXIT talks, says FTA
The announcement of a Brexit transitional period ending in December 2020 will be a welcome relief for manufacturing and retail businesses exporting and importing from the EU, according to the Freight Transport Association. However, FTA has warned that there is still much to agree on the detail of the UK's departure from the European Union, and the EU's "nothing is agreed until all is agreed" … [Read more...]
Brexit bargaining must protect auto industry, say carmakers
There are potentially disastrous implications for the automotive supply chain in Brexit, say car makers. Just a few days ahead of the EU summit, where the 27 heads of state will approve the European Council’s Brexit guidelines, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) is calling on the negotiators to pay urgent attention to sector-specific issues. A big concern for the … [Read more...]
“Perfect storm” looming over Ford Bridgend plant – union
A perfect storm is developing around Ford Bridgend Engine Plant, a union official has claimed. Jeff Beck, GMB Organiser for Wales, was responding to an interview at the Geneva Motor Show now underway and where Ford’s European boss Steve Armstrong said it needed clarity over Brexit terms before it could make any further investment in South Wales petrol engine plant or it’s sister diesel plant in … [Read more...]
Ford Bridgend investment depends on Brexit deal
Future investment at Ford Bridgend Engine Plant will depend on terms Britain negotiates as it leaves the EU, a senior company executive has said in Geneva motor show. Britain’s largest automotive engine maker Ford builds half of the country’s total output of 2.7 million units at its Bridgend petrol plant and London Dagenham diesel factory and employs over 3,000 on the lines. The automaker … [Read more...]
Newslines 3 March
Dyson is seeking another 300 engineers to work on its forthcoming new electric car project, the company has announced on the back of a massive 27% rise in earnings to £801 M last year. The company is headquartered at Malmesbury but has converted a former RAF hangar at Hullavington to develop their new car for 2020, but not said where it will be built. Fred Rees Garages, Haverfordwest is the … [Read more...]
Freight body tells MPs of Brexit concerns
The Freight Transport Association has warned the EU not to underestimate the massive challenge member states face when preparing their own borders for Brexit, along with the risk of long delays and disruption at European ferry ports. FTA’s Deputy Chief Executive, James Hookham gave evidence to the European Parliament Committee on Transport and Tourism as part of a public hearing on the impact … [Read more...]
Newslines 14 November
Cardiff city centre could host a cycling event on Sunday 13 May 2018. It is one of the cities being considered and councilors will be expected to directly contribute £100,000 to the event or “value in kind”, and they will discuss on Thursday, after a cycling lobby has called for more roadspace to protect them. BMW has lost an appeal to a Swiss court over a £139 M fine after it blocked sales … [Read more...]
Just in time for Wales’ Brexit deliveries
With the UK’s exit from the European Union now less than 18 months away, the role of an efficient logistics sector in delivering a healthy Welsh economy has been recognised by the inclusion of the Freight Transport Association at the first meeting of a new Welsh working group. The working group, assembled by the Welsh Economy Secretary Ken Skates, comprises representatives of key business … [Read more...]
Parts & repairs face rise after March 2019
British motorists could see their annual car service and repair costs rise by 10% to £777 after Brexit if no deal is reached between the UK and the EU. A new report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows that the UK’s collective car repair bill could rise by more than £2 billion if tariffs and other barriers to trade are imposed. The Importance of the Aftermarket to the UK … [Read more...]