Motor Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries

(asked on 25th September 2019) - View Source

Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, when Ministers and officials of his Department last met with representatives of the UK automotive sector; and what assessment he has made of what Government assistance that sector will require in the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal.


Answered by
James Duddridge Portrait
James Duddridge
This question was answered on 3rd October 2019

DExEU Ministers and officials have regular ongoing engagement with the automotive sector, including world-leading manufacturers and representative bodies such as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

The Secretary of State for Exiting the EU met with Honda in June. Separately, Ministers met with McLaren and Nissan Europe in June and July. Since 1st January 2019 DExEU Permanent Secretaries have met SMMT on four occasions (with the most recent meeting on September 20th).

HMG is committed to ensuring that the UK continues to be one of the most competitive locations in the world for automotive manufacturing after we leave the European Union. Adapting to new regulatory requirements takes time, so the Government will provide continuity in goods regulation for a temporary period after exit day. If UK manufacturers, distributors and importers continue to meet EU requirements, their goods can still be placed on the EU market. Furthermore, tariffs will not apply to car parts.. The Government will continue to apply zero tariffs to steel imports, ensuring the continuation of supply of a key material for UK production, especially in automotive. Tariffs will, however, apply to finished vehicles.

The Government has published technical notices on Placing manufactured goods on the UK market after Brexit and Placing manufactured goods on the EU market after Brexit, as well as making dedicated, tailored advice available for the automotive sector: The automotive sector and preparing for Brexit.

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