Sales slump in UK car industry

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Diesel crisis, stringent emission regulations, the uncertainty due to the impending Brexits: The UK car trade has a huge break-in suffered. And a recovery is in sight.

In the past year the British have bought seven per cent less cars than the year before. According to provisional Figures, just under 2.37 million Cars were sold – and thus of 174,000 less than in 2017. A stronger rate of decline was least in the year of the financial crisis of 2008 with a Minus of 11.3 percent.

The head of the industry Association SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders), Mike Hawes, referred to 2018 as the “most turbulent”. For 2019, he expects a further decline in the sales of two percent.

Hawes spoke in London of major challenges: Many consumers are confused due to the planned exit of Britain from the European Union. Also, lower demand for diesel vehicles and more stringent exhaust gas requirements played when sales decline in an important role, he explained.

Vehicles with diesel engine are due to the strict emission regulations for consumers to be unattractive

The UK separates at the end of March of the community of States. The head of the industry Association warned strongly of a disordered Brexit. This would be a “disaster for the industry,” says Hawes. The Prime Minister, Theresa May, with the EU-negotiated agreement, while not perfect, guarantee but at least a longer transition phase that the auto industry need, with around 850,000 workers urgently. In this period, practically everything would remain as it currently is.

A survey by the Association had recently revealed that half of the members has suffered through the uncertainty of damage. A third suspended or stroke, therefore, domestic investment. Ten percent claimed to already have capacity abroad, or the number of employees reduced shifts.

The completely divided Parliament in London on may 15. January on the agreement, the May with Brussels has negotiated the vote. A majority is still not in sight. A divorce from the EU without an agreement would plunge the UK, according to experts, in a state of Chaos in all areas of life.

uh/pg (rtr, dpa)