Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
UK Automotive is already counting the cost of prolonged lockdowns across the country and although click and collect services provide a lifeline while dealerships are closed, this cannot replace the showroom experience. This third shutdown comes at the worst possible time, as businesses face close of year challenges as well as uncertainty and upheaval from the Brexit transition period which ends in just 12 days’ time – with still no deal agreed. With automotive manufacturing inherently linked to retail, getting Covid-secure showrooms back open as soon as possible – as well as securing that critical deal – is essential.