UK trade deal: EU auto makers call for far-reaching agreement

Brussels, 6 April 2020 – The scale and ambition of the trade agreement that replaces the United Kingdom’s membership of the EU must reflect the deeply intertwined nature of the automotive sector, urges the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). If not, this would not only severely damage the industry and the wider economy, but it could also hamper the roll-out of electric vehicles.

Every year, almost 3 million motor vehicles worth €54 billion are traded between the EU and the UK, and cross-Channel trade in automotive parts accounts for almost €14 billion. With approximately 30,000 parts used in the construction of a single car, the automotive industry heavily relies on just-in-time manufacturing schedules.

“With this interdependence in mind, it is essential that tariff free trade and an open flow of goods and services are a cornerstone of the ongoing negotiations between the EU and the UK,” stated ACEA’s Director General, Eric-Mark Huitema. “Any future trade agreement must therefore combine zero tariffs, workable rules of origin, simplified customs requirements and ensure the absence of technical barriers to trade.”

The rules of origin for motor vehicles should reflect the very high level of integration between the EU and the UK and the unique circumstance in which this negotiation is taking place, according to ACEA. Special consideration should also be given to the trade in batteries for electrified vehicles, given the lack of EU or UK battery manufacturing capacity.

“Developing and deploying battery technologies is a fundamental challenge for the automotive industry, it is also key to Europe’s ambitious climate agenda,” explained Mr Huitema. “The rules of the future trade deal should not limit manufacturers’ ability to bring low- and zero-emission technologies to the market.”

Divergent legislation could become a significant impediment to trade, requiring manufacturers to adapt or develop new technologies in order to comply with different requirements. Huitema: “In their common interest, the EU and the UK should actively maintain alignment across all key automotive legislation.” This includes existing legislation on type approval, safety and environmental performance, as well as the framework for future technologies such as automated vehicles.

“The clock is ticking for these complex negotiations, and we are very concerned that the time remaining under the transitional arrangement is insufficient, especially given the on-going COVID-19 crisis,” warned Huitema. The unintended consequence of this could be a no-deal scenario. In terms of tariffs alone, this would have a massive impact, with some €6 billion being added to the cost of doing cross-Channel trade.

“Such an outcome would be catastrophic to the automotive sector, and to the European economy in general, and should be avoided at all reasonable cost.”

It is essential that tariff free trade and an open flow of goods and services are a cornerstone of the ongoing negotiations between the EU and the UK.

Notes for editors

About ACEA

  • The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) represents the 14 major Europe-based car, van, truck and bus makers: BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler Truck, Ferrari, Ford of Europe, Honda Motor Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, Iveco Group, JLR, Mercedes-Benz, Renault Group, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group, and Volvo Group.
  • Visit www.acea.auto for more information about ACEA, and follow us on www.twitter.com/ACEA_auto or www.linkedin.com/company/ACEA/.

Contact:

  • Cara McLaughlin, Communications Director, cm@acea.auto, +32 485 88 66 47.
  • Ben Kennard, Content Editor and Press Manager, bk@acea.auto, +32 487 39 21 82

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About the EU automobile industry

  • 13.0 million Europeans work in the automotive sector
  • 11.5% of all manufacturing jobs in the EU
  • €374.6 billion in tax revenue for European governments
  • €101.9 billion trade surplus for the European Union
  • Over 7% of EU GDP generated by the auto industry
  • €59.1 billion in R&D spending annually, 31% of EU total
Content type Press release
Vehicle types All vehicles
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