Car production falls 3.8% amid industry's 'wasted' £300m no-deal Brexit measures

In September, the UK’s car production fell by 3.8 per cent due to supposed political uncertainty.

This is according to the industry’s trade body, where uncertainty in trade has been felt at home and internationally.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) also stated that exports have fallen 3.4 per cent, while car output for the year-to-date reduced by 15.6 per cent - the worst three quarters for eight years.

SMMT’s chief executive, Mike Hawes, said: “Another disappointing month reflects domestic and international market contraction.

“Most worrying of all though is the continued threat of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, something which has caused international investment to stall and cost UK operations millions of pounds - money that would have better been spent in meeting the technological challenges facing the global industry.”

Despite Brexit having been delayed this week with the exit date now falling on January 31, 2020, the SMMT’s figure of £300m having been spent on no-deal Brexit measures by UK car makers is worrying.

A free trade deal with the EU will hopefully be in place by the end of December 2020.

Another UK general election is to be held on December 12, which will aim to bring some clarity on Brexit and the challenges to come with it.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →