Speaking today (11 January 2013) following the news of employee reduction proposals at Honda in Swindon, SMMT Chief Executive Paul Everitt, said, “This is very disappointing news for Honda staff and their families. The decline in European new car markets and uncertain growth prospects has forced a number of vehicle manufacturers to restructure their operations.”
“Despite challenges brought by weak European demand, the longer-term prospects for the UK automotive sector remain good. The industry has seen £6 billion of new investment from a wide-range of global vehicle manufacturers during the last two years and there is demand for skilled workers in the automotive industry and other high value manufacturing sectors. We hope that those affected will be able to take advantage of the opportunities we know exist throughout the UK sector and its supply chain.”
