ONCE UPON a time many of Britain’s drivers would choose a new car because it was built in the UK. Those days appear to be over. Production for the domestic market has fallen by 47% in a year, meaning nearly nine in ten cars built here are for export.
The industry body said that car manufacturers were facing a ‘perfect storm’, with falling consumer confidence, tough new emissions and fuel economy tests and the looming summer holiday season pushing down demand for domestically built cars by nearly half, in June.
“This is massive by any terms,” said Mike Hawes from the motor trade body the SMMT, adding that the industry was “surprised at the severity” of the fall in volume.
More than one million people work direct or indirectly for the UK car industry.
Sales of cars in the UK are predicted to drop by 6% on last year’s 2.5m total, following a 5% fall on the previous year. By contrast, Europe as a whole has grown by 2.7% in the first six months of the year.
Hawes warns bumps in the road remain for UK car makers, as Brexit and the threat of a tariff-driven trade war between the US and Europe could cause more pain still. “We can’t afford to lose just-in-time production,” he said, referring to the time-sensitive manufacturing supply chain that could be affected if car parts are delayed crossing borders.
Bosses at Jaguar Land Rover have been leading calls for clarity over Brexit.
For more on this story, please click here.
Getting On ‘The Right Road’
Whatever your level of driving experience Surrey Driving Force can offer driving lessons in Surrey to suit you. From driving tests to refresher courses, our friendly and experienced instructors will help you to achieve your goal quickly and affordably.
- Competitive rates
- Friendly, patient and fully qualified Driving Instructors
- Test success in as few lessons as possible
- Convenient pick-ups from home, work or school
- New, air-conditioned, dual control cars
- Reduced driving lesson prices when you block book
- Driving lessons seven days a week
As Well As Surrey Driving Lessons We Offer:
- Intensive Courses
- Mock Practical Tests
- Pass Plus
- Motorway Driving Training
- Refresher Training
- Taxi Driver Training
- Advanced Driver Training
- ADI Training – ADI Part 1, ADI Part 2, ADI Part 3
Don’t Forget!
Theory Test Pro – FREE!
Surrey Driving Force students have full access to premium content via Theory Test Pro whilst learning with us. This is a great resource and really helps our students pass their theory test first time. It’s also available as a free app to download on iPhone or Android, where again you can access the premium content.
