A ‘black week’ for UK automotive
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has urged the government to double down on efforts to reboot the economy after what it described as a “bad week”.
Manufacturers Aston Martin and Bentley as well as the Lookers dealership group all announced job cuts, while SMMT’s own figures confirmed further falls in sales and production during May.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “It has been a black week for UK automotive with devastating job cuts across retail and manufacturing coming hard on the heels of earlier losses. While the industry is fundamentally strong and agile, it is not invincible. Global industries are challenged and we need to ensure the UK has in place a comprehensive strategy to support the sector and the highly skilled workforce on whom it depends.
“As the sector strives to weather the worst storm in a generation, measures to drive cash flow, stimulate demand and, above all, maintain our competitiveness are essential. Governments must double down on efforts to reboot economies, protect jobs and, internationally, work urgently to secure ambitious free trade agreements which avoid tariffs that add onerous cost and stifle global growth.”
