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| UK motor industry backs UK remaining in Europe, finds survey | UK motor industry backs UK remaining in Europe, finds survey |
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| More than three-quarters of companies involved in the UK motor industry believe a vote to remain in Europe would be best for their business, according to a survey. | More than three-quarters of companies involved in the UK motor industry believe a vote to remain in Europe would be best for their business, according to a survey. |
| The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) found that 77% of its members backed the UK staying in the EU. The figure rose to 88% for large automotive companies, and was 73% for small and medium-sized ones. | The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) found that 77% of its members backed the UK staying in the EU. The figure rose to 88% for large automotive companies, and was 73% for small and medium-sized ones. |
| Two-thirds of members think access to EU automotive markets has a positive impact on their company. | Two-thirds of members think access to EU automotive markets has a positive impact on their company. |
| The SMMT membership includes leading car manufacturers such as Ford, Vauxhall, VW, Nissan and Toyota. The industry relies heavily on EU exports – which accounted for 57.5% of the vehicles produced in the UK in 2015, when car manufacturing reached a 10-year high of 1.59m units. | The SMMT membership includes leading car manufacturers such as Ford, Vauxhall, VW, Nissan and Toyota. The industry relies heavily on EU exports – which accounted for 57.5% of the vehicles produced in the UK in 2015, when car manufacturing reached a 10-year high of 1.59m units. |
| The ability to hire a skilled workforce (55%) and influence industry regulations (52%) were also given as benefits of EU membership. | The ability to hire a skilled workforce (55%) and influence industry regulations (52%) were also given as benefits of EU membership. |
| SMMT’s chief executive, Mike Hawes, said: “The message from UK automotive is clear – being in Europe is vital for the future of this industry and to secure jobs, investment and growth. | SMMT’s chief executive, Mike Hawes, said: “The message from UK automotive is clear – being in Europe is vital for the future of this industry and to secure jobs, investment and growth. |
| “UK automotive is thriving, with record car exports, new registrations and the highest manufacturing levels for a decade. Our industry supports 800,000 jobs across the UK and contributes more than £15bn to the UK economy. Our members have clearly stated that pulling out of Europe could jeopardise this.” | “UK automotive is thriving, with record car exports, new registrations and the highest manufacturing levels for a decade. Our industry supports 800,000 jobs across the UK and contributes more than £15bn to the UK economy. Our members have clearly stated that pulling out of Europe could jeopardise this.” |
| The majority of SMMT members (59%) believe a Brexit would have a negative impact on their businesses in the medium to long term, with 18% uncertain about the consequences. | The majority of SMMT members (59%) believe a Brexit would have a negative impact on their businesses in the medium to long term, with 18% uncertain about the consequences. |
| Fears about losing business to EU rivals and about future investment being diverted to the continent were among the reasons given by those who predicted there would be a negative effect if the UK votes to leave at the referendum. | Fears about losing business to EU rivals and about future investment being diverted to the continent were among the reasons given by those who predicted there would be a negative effect if the UK votes to leave at the referendum. |
| Related: EU referendum: Rolls-Royce warns its staff of Brexit risks | |
| Rory Harvey, managing director and chairman of Vauxhall, said: “The UK is the fourth largest global market for Vauxhall’s parent company, GM, and the largest EU market. We are part of a fully integrated European company where we benefit from the free movement of goods and people, and we believe not to be part of the EU would be undesirable for our business and the sector as a whole.” | Rory Harvey, managing director and chairman of Vauxhall, said: “The UK is the fourth largest global market for Vauxhall’s parent company, GM, and the largest EU market. We are part of a fully integrated European company where we benefit from the free movement of goods and people, and we believe not to be part of the EU would be undesirable for our business and the sector as a whole.” |
| Tony Walker, deputy managing director at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, said: “Our UK operations are fully integrated within our European business – exporting nearly 90% of all UK-built vehicles. We are very satisfied with the performance of our UK operations and are committed to our employees and investments. | Tony Walker, deputy managing director at Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK, said: “Our UK operations are fully integrated within our European business – exporting nearly 90% of all UK-built vehicles. We are very satisfied with the performance of our UK operations and are committed to our employees and investments. |
| “We also recognise that the UK’s future relationship with the European Union is a matter for the British people to decide. After considered review, we believe that continued membership of the European Union is best for our business and for our competitiveness in the longer term.” | “We also recognise that the UK’s future relationship with the European Union is a matter for the British people to decide. After considered review, we believe that continued membership of the European Union is best for our business and for our competitiveness in the longer term.” |