Today in Parliament, Telford’s MP asked Greg Clark MP, Secretary of State for Business about the future of car parts manufacturers post Brexit and in light of the fall in demand for diesel vehicles and the impact on car parts manufacturers.
Last year, the Government confirmed that it will end the sale of all new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040, as it unveiled new plans to tackle air pollution. The Chancellor also introduced higher charges for new diesel car buyers which came into effect at the beginning of April this year.
Sales of new diesel cars in the UK fell by almost a quarter last month according to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
Telford is home to many car parts manufacturers including GKN and Magna International who make and manufacturer bespoke parts for Jaguar Land Rover.
In response to Lucy Allan’s question, Greg Clark said:
“A big part of the automotive sector deal, which we concluded with the sector, is to boost the proportion of components that are sourced in the UK. This is a joint commitment that we make, as part of the industrial strategy, but she is also right to draw attention to the importance of our continued ability to trade with the rest of the European Union, free of tariffs and with low friction, so that we can maintain the just-in-time model, which is so crucial to our automotive sector.”
Speaking following her question, Lucy Allan said:
“I was pleased to have the opportunity to raise concerns about the automotive industry. I will continue to press the Minister to help secure the future of car manufacturers who play a vital role in Telford’s future, through the supply chain.”