Aftermarket reacts to Brexit

80 per cent of independent garages backed leave but the industry is now urging the government to act quickly

Aftermarket reacts to Brexit
The UK still faces a uncertain future as negotiations for an official Brexit are yet to begin. Image: Bigstock.

With the long-term effect of the referendum results still unknown, the UK is facing a period of uncertainty but a Brexit will come as welcoming news for the 80 per cent of GW readers who supported the leave campaign.

Commenting on the support of independent garages on the GW Facebook page, Arran Thundow said: “Free movement has directly affected wages, it’s no surprise”.

Meanwhile, reader Rick Souter’s initial response was to “fire up the oil burners”.

‘Too late for my generation’

Commenting on Facebook, Dave Ovenden said: “At the risk of being branded a racist, which I’m not, I’m happy that less people are going to be free to come over and cripple our trade.

“It’s a little too late for my generation but hopefully my kids will have it better and not have to compete against Eastern Europeans working uninsured and charging 75 per cent less than us legitimate ones.

“I kid you not there are ones round here charging £5 to fit brake pads.”

‘Turmoil’

The IMI’s chief executive officer, Steve Nash said the industry needs to see “decisive action” and a clear “plan to take the country forward”.

He added: “The heightened uncertainty caused by the Prime Minister’s resignation and the turmoil in the main opposition party cannot serve anybody well, regardless of their voting preferences.

“Clearly we need to leave the EU on the best possible terms, securing inward investment in our industry and ensuring the future of those who work in it.”

‘Government must work quickly’

IAAF chief executive Wendy Williamson is calling for the government to act quickly to “ensure economic stability over the coming weeks and months” but says the aftermarket is unlikely to suffer.

In a statement, Williamson said: “We do not envisage any immediate impact on the UK aftermarket and will continue to work closely with our colleagues throughout Europe to see what this result means for the UK independent aftermarket and the automotive industry as a whole.”

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “The British public has chosen a new future out of Europe.

“Government must now maintain economic stability and secure a deal with the EU which safeguards UK automotive interests.

“This includes securing tariff-free access to European and other global markets, ensuring we can recruit talent from the EU and the rest of the world and making the UK the most competitive place in Europe for automotive investment.”

Immigration and legislation

In a GW opinion poll earlier this year, immigration and EU legislation were among the biggest concerns of a remain vote and almost two thirds of respondents said they didn’t have any fears about leaving.

One respondent commented: “Short term pain will hopefully lead to a better future outside the EU.

However, another argued that industry licensing “will never happen outside of the EU”.

What are your thoughts on last week’s referendum results? Is Brexit good or bad for business? Please share your comments below.

 

12 Comments

  1. Lets get on with it! The motor trade is an easy target for immigrants to attack. Look at all the part worn tyre shops that have opened in the past two years. They are selling illegal part worn tyres and they do not have the same ethics, when it comes to safety. Thanks, Eric Roberts.

    Reply
  2. Lets get on with it! The motor trade is an easy target for immigrants to attack. Look at all the part worn tyre shops that have opened in the past two years. They are selling illegal part worn tyres and they do not have the same ethics, when it comes to safety. Thanks, Eric Roberts.

    Reply
  3. Never had my Garage attacked by Immigrants! Can we send back all those smokey old VWs? Seriously I’m English, wanted to stay in and I have a foreign mechanic in our team who’s very honest and reliable. Nothing to be gained by leaving.

    Reply
  4. Never had my Garage attacked by Immigrants! Can we send back all those smokey old VWs? Seriously I’m English, wanted to stay in and I have a foreign mechanic in our team who’s very honest and reliable. Nothing to be gained by leaving.

    Reply
  5. What’s going to happen with Block exemption then when we come out, will we no longer be able to work on cars under warranty? Wonder if the exit voters thought about that?

    Reply
  6. What’s going to happen with Block exemption then when we come out, will we no longer be able to work on cars under warranty? Wonder if the exit voters thought about that?

    Reply
  7. Block Exemption should be on everyone’s minds. It needs to be made clear if this EU regulation will stay post Brexit. We need access to EU talent to cover the UK skills shortage. Independents won’t survive otherwise. Shocked so many people in the industry wanted out. Really shot ourselves in the foot in my opinion.

    Reply
  8. Block Exemption should be on everyone’s minds. It needs to be made clear if this EU regulation will stay post Brexit. We need access to EU talent to cover the UK skills shortage. Independents won’t survive otherwise. Shocked so many people in the industry wanted out. Really shot ourselves in the foot in my opinion.

    Reply
  9. I agree, not thought about all the detail.

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  10. I agree, not thought about all the detail.

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  11. Out of the eu we can keep or improve block exemption rules because it will be up to us how we handle it.

    Reply
  12. Out of the eu we can keep or improve block exemption rules because it will be up to us how we handle it.

    Reply

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