Peter Barnes said: "With Brexit now taking place in the next 36 hours, there is hope that stability can be restored to automotive manufacturing and exports. The figures released from the SMMT today demonstrate that car exports were down in 2019 and that a high percentage (81%) of our automotive production is exported, the importance of trade deals with our European neighbours (presently representing 54.8% of exports for cars) remains as important as ever.
"Future deals with other nations such as the US provide an opportunity for future expansion provided the English government can reach favourable terms with the Trump administration. It remains to be seen if the freedom to trade to a wider market will demonstrate growth in demand and exports in 2020. However, what we do know is that the demand for electric and alternative powered fuels will undoubtedly have an impact. Such technologies will continue to attract the public's attention and their purchasing power - provided there is a political will to give support to British manufacturing."
"Future deals with other nations such as the US provide an opportunity for future expansion provided the English government can reach favourable terms with the Trump administration. It remains to be seen if the freedom to trade to a wider market will demonstrate growth in demand and exports in 2020. However, what we do know is that the demand for electric and alternative powered fuels will undoubtedly have an impact. Such technologies will continue to attract the public's attention and their purchasing power - provided there is a political will to give support to British manufacturing."
