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The UK automotive sector is gravely concerned by today’s “Made in Europe” proposals set out in the European Commission’s Industrial Accelerator Act. As drafted, it would discriminate against UK-made vehicles and components, damaging a trading relationship worth almost £70 billion annually.

It is a position that the UK industry and government sought to avoid, given we are both each other’s largest customers and suppliers. However, the strict EU assembly rules and EU27 eligibility criteria currently proposed would effectively put UK manufacturers at a systemic competitive disadvantage in the EU market, a situation which may also be in breach of the EU-UK Trade Cooperation Agreement – the Brexit deal.

The UK government and European counterparts must work together urgently to resolve the situation, extending full, trusted partner status to the UK automotive sector. This is not just to ensure choice for British and European consumers – especially in zero emission vehicles – but to deliver the economic growth and security everyone craves.