Even if Brexit didn't exist, the UK automotive sector would be dealing with a number of serious challenges, from EU CO2 emissions penalties designed to force carmakers towards switching to electric vehicles (EV)s), to global trade tensions between the US and China, and China's determination to become a dominant global carmaker in its own right.
The fact is, Brexit does exist, and if it produces anything less than 100% frictionless trade with the EU, the UK automotive sector may very well go into cardiac arrest.
The effects of a no deal Brexit would be “catastrophic” for carmakers on the Continent as well. At the end of September, they issued a joint statement demanding a Brexit deal be done that allows the pan-EU automotive supply chain to operate unhindered.
For The Manufacturer’s latest podcast, our editorial director, Nick Peters, spoke to Mike Hawes, the CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) about the joint statement and about the storm clouds gathering over the UK motor industry …
Selected other episodes in The Manufacturer Podcast series:
The man who changed our world (by enabling us to measure it)
How does going digital delight your customers? Ask Brian Holliday
The cruel sport of politics and why industrial strategy must not be allowed to become its victim
Can Sanjeev Gupta revive the UK steel industry?
Is this person the greatest STEM ambassador ever?
Can Make UK make UK manufacturing great again?
Help! Where do big companies go for help when they need it?