Britain’s car makers have banded together to lobby for a ‘Remain’ vote in Thursday’s EU referendum, where the UK will vote to quit or stick in the European Union.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which represents the car industry in the UK, reckons that 77% of its members favour remaining in the EU. Only 9% said that leaving would be best.
The sector is often quoted as a beacon of hope in a see-sawing economy - proof that Britain can manufacture on a global scale. It employs 800,000 jobs across the UK and contributes £15.5 billion to the country's coffers every year.
Around 80% of cars built in Britain are exported - and nearly 60% of those are sold in the EU. Car makers say that unrestricted access to the world’s largest single market is crucial to the nation’s factories and highlight free movement of labour across Europe as another reason to stay in.
Here are highlights of the big car-making bosses’ stance on the EU referendum.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive
‘UK Automotive is globally competitive, securing record levels of investment, creating tens of thousands of jobs annually and exporting to over 100 countries. We want this success to continue rather than jeopardise it by increasing costs, making our trading relationships uncertain and creating new barriers to our single biggest and most important market, Europe. Remaining will allow the UK to retain the influence on which the unique and successful UK automotive sector depends. There should be no ambiguity about the sector’s views ahead of such a critical vote. Senior figures from a wide range of UK-based automotive companies have reinforced this message.’
Ken Gregor, chief financial officer of Jaguar Land Rover
‘Remaining in the EU – our largest market – will increase Jaguar Land Rover's chances to grow, create jobs and attract investment in future technologies. Our European supply chain has been fundamental in helping us to meet customer expectations worldwide and achieve sustainable, profitable growth.’
Tony Walker, deputy managing director, Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK
‘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.’
Dr Ian Robertson, member of the board of management, BMW
‘We firmly believe Britain would be better off if it remained an active and influential member of the EU, shaping European regulations which will continue to impact the UK whatever the decision on Thursday.’
Rory Harvey, managing director and chairman of Vauxhall
‘We are part of a fully integrated European company where we benefit from the free movement of goods and people. We believe not to be part of the EU would be undesirable for our business and the sector as a whole.’
Nigel Stein, chief executive of component giant GKN
‘We see a real benefit in remaining in the EU. A vote to leave will not mean manufacturing investment disappears overnight, but over time a UK outside the EU will be disadvantaged and will lose the investment it needs to maintain our industries.’
Gamil Magal, group chief executive of supplier Magal Engineering
‘Full unhindered access to the European single market is essential for Magal Engineering’s UK operations and growth.’
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which represents the car industry in the UK, reckons that 77% of its members favour remaining in the EU. Only 9% said that leaving would be best.
The sector is often quoted as a beacon of hope in a see-sawing economy - proof that Britain can manufacture on a global scale. It employs 800,000 jobs across the UK and contributes £15.5 billion to the country's coffers every year.
Around 80% of cars built in Britain are exported - and nearly 60% of those are sold in the EU. Car makers say that unrestricted access to the world’s largest single market is crucial to the nation’s factories and highlight free movement of labour across Europe as another reason to stay in.
Here are highlights of the big car-making bosses’ stance on the EU referendum.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive
‘UK Automotive is globally competitive, securing record levels of investment, creating tens of thousands of jobs annually and exporting to over 100 countries. We want this success to continue rather than jeopardise it by increasing costs, making our trading relationships uncertain and creating new barriers to our single biggest and most important market, Europe. Remaining will allow the UK to retain the influence on which the unique and successful UK automotive sector depends. There should be no ambiguity about the sector’s views ahead of such a critical vote. Senior figures from a wide range of UK-based automotive companies have reinforced this message.’
Ken Gregor, chief financial officer of Jaguar Land Rover
‘Remaining in the EU – our largest market – will increase Jaguar Land Rover's chances to grow, create jobs and attract investment in future technologies. Our European supply chain has been fundamental in helping us to meet customer expectations worldwide and achieve sustainable, profitable growth.’
Tony Walker, deputy managing director, Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK
‘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.’
Dr Ian Robertson, member of the board of management, BMW
‘We firmly believe Britain would be better off if it remained an active and influential member of the EU, shaping European regulations which will continue to impact the UK whatever the decision on Thursday.’
Rory Harvey, managing director and chairman of Vauxhall
‘We are part of a fully integrated European company where we benefit from the free movement of goods and people. We believe not to be part of the EU would be undesirable for our business and the sector as a whole.’
Nigel Stein, chief executive of component giant GKN
‘We see a real benefit in remaining in the EU. A vote to leave will not mean manufacturing investment disappears overnight, but over time a UK outside the EU will be disadvantaged and will lose the investment it needs to maintain our industries.’
Gamil Magal, group chief executive of supplier Magal Engineering
‘Full unhindered access to the European single market is essential for Magal Engineering’s UK operations and growth.’