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The Future of the UK's Automotive Industry

01 December 2017, 13:05 CET

Brexit has a way of making everything uncertain, particularly when it comes to finance and industry. There are many predictions about how it - and other factors - are going to affect the UK's automotive industry, and although we don't know which (if any) are going to come true, it's certainly interesting to take a look at what has been said.

An Extra £1500 For A Car

One idea of what might be in store for the UK car industry is that the price of buying a vehicle will rise by as much as £1500. This would be due to a lack of investment, meaning that fewer cars will be made, and those that are made will need to cost more to cover the shortfall. With this in mind, many individuals and businesses will now turn to leasing rather than buying as they can get a reliable transit van or car for business or personal use without worrying about fluctuating costs or prices.

Growth in Sales

Alternatively, some suggest that Brexit might actually be good for the UK automotive industry. Assuming importing cars from Europe could become prohibitively expensive, especially if no Brexit deal is agreed, UK car manufacturers could see an increase in sales because it is easier and cheaper for non-EU citizens to buy them. This could boost the car industry hugely, allowing for more cars to be produced, and prices to be slashed. More cars on the road will mean more money for the government in terms of tax revenue and fuel duties, and that, in a time of austerity, must be a good thing.

Greener Cars

As time goes on, we are becoming increasingly aware that our vehicles are causing more pollution problems than almost anything else. Yet for most road users, there is no viable alternative; public transport is expensive and often unreliable, and driving is an easier way to get from A to B. The only way, then, to combat the pollution problem is to produce more environmentally friendly cars. Cars with stop start engines are part of this new kind of greener vehicle, and so are electric cars, which could be the best alternative of all.

Fewer Cars

There are two sides to every prediction, and having more cars that are better for the environment is one idea, but having fewer cars altogether is another. It would indeed be better for the environment, but it would mean that the public transport infrastructure would need to be drastically changed in order to lure people away from their cars and onto buses and trains. If public transport were made easier, more comfortable, and less expensive, it is likely that there would be an upsurge in its use. Would that be enough to significantly reduce the number of cars on the road? Perhaps not, but if the cars that were driving around were greener, perhaps completely electric, then the problem could be solved. It would be a start, at least.

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