Skip advert
Advertisement
Opinion

“We remain one of the world’s top small countries for car production”

Despite recent discouraging news around the UK automotive industry, Mike Rutherford finds some positives

OPINION UK manufacturing

It was great to see the British motor industry up where it belongs a few days ago: at the top of the news agenda, making the headlines in mainstream papers, creating lead stories for broadcasters, plus attracting the attention and respect it deserves from commentators, analysts and politicians. 

True, some of the developments have been declared discouraging, if not disastrous. The best/worst example of this is “just £347.3million earmarked for new models, equipment and facilities in the UK” during the first six months of 2018, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). But hang on, this is £347.3m or almost £2m per day more than most countries invested in auto industry projects over the same period.  

Advertisement - Article continues below

Jaguar Land Rover warns of annual £1.2billion Brexit loss

Looking at the wider, more important picture, current figures show that Britain still has at least 75 car manufacturers (six mainstream, eight premium/sports and 60-plus specialists). As far as I know, none has lately said it’s closing down here and defecting to another country. And the same goes for our dozens of engine, CV and PSV manufacturers.

“You’re right, no one has shut up shop yet,” the SMMT assures me. “And we’re keen to ensure that doesn’t happen.” Glad to hear it. I’m equally delighted that we continue to export to around 160 markets; some, incidentally, inside Europe, the vast majority not. It was ever thus, and always will be. If there’s another small country that boasts better numbers than all those I’ve touched on above, I’m not aware of it. It gets better still.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

UK automotive turns over £80billion-plus annually and officially employs 800,000 to 900,000 people in mostly well-paid, good-quality, skilled jobs. Jaguar is investing £14billion over the next three years, just in EVs.

Contrary to what you might’ve assumed, since Britain voted to leave the European Union, motor industry employment levels here have, according to SMMT stats, increased to around 856,000 people. Factor in all the workers, including those on the outer fringes of the auto sector, and I reckon the true figure is in excess of one million. Without this colossal army, together with the essential income tax and NI contributions that they make, HM Treasury would be on its knees and the unemployment numbers through the roof. 

When a BBC reporter claimed on the TV news last week that the British motor industry is in reverse gear, he ignored the many irrefutable facts and figures which prove it is, in many respects, moving forwards. Never forget that we remain one of the world’s top small countries for car production. And that’s not going to change anytime soon... if ever. 

Enjoyed Mike's column this week? Then why not take a look at last week's where Mike argued to free up or roads we should drive smaller cars...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Chief columnist

Mike was one of the founding fathers of Auto Express in 1988. He's been motoring editor on four tabloid newspapers - London Evening News, The Sun, News of the World & Daily Mirror. He was also a weekly columnist on the Daily Telegraph, The Independent and The Sunday Times. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed as British brand pushes towards a luxury EV future
Jaguar Type 00 Miami reveal event

New Jaguar Type 00 concept revealed as British brand pushes towards a luxury EV future

The new Jaguar Type 00 concept has got everybody talking with its bold design
News
3 Dec 2024
New Jaguar GT concept leaked online ahead of official reveal
Leaked Jaguar GT image

New Jaguar GT concept leaked online ahead of official reveal

The all-electric Jaguar concept adopts bold new styling direction and showcases polarising new logo
News
2 Dec 2024
I wonder if there are enough buyers for £100k+ luxury Jaguar EVs
Opinion - Jaguar logo

I wonder if there are enough buyers for £100k+ luxury Jaguar EVs

Mike Rutherford gives his view on Jaguar's controversial rebrand
Opinion
1 Dec 2024
Jaguar has to change, otherwise it will follow MG Rover on a route to a slow and painful demise
Opinion - Jaguar

Jaguar has to change, otherwise it will follow MG Rover on a route to a slow and painful demise

Editor Paul Barker explores the reasons why Jaguar is reinventing itself as a luxury all-electric brand
Opinion
27 Nov 2024

Most Popular

Driver whose towbar voided his insurance wins payout
Towbar

Driver whose towbar voided his insurance wins payout

Allianz tells Auto Express it was ‘right in principle’, but has agreed to cover the claim in full
News
20 Dec 2024
Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Grandland is simply stunning value at £145 a month
Vauxhall Grandland - main image

Car Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Grandland is simply stunning value at £145 a month

The outgoing Vauxhall Grandland is fine transport for all the family. It’s our Deal of the Day for 18 December
News
18 Dec 2024
Kia Sportage alternatives: cars you could buy instead of this family favourite
Kia Sportage alternatives - header image

Kia Sportage alternatives: cars you could buy instead of this family favourite

Kia’s multi-award winning SUV is the apple of plenty of families’ eyes, but it might not be for everyone. We’ve searched high and low to find some tal…
Features
21 Dec 2024