Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:
The new Business Secretary has given thousands of automotive companies vital breathing space, helping keep their operations viable this winter. This is a short-term fix, however, and to avoid a cliff-edge in six months’ time, it must be backed by a full package of measures that will sustain the sector.
Manufacturers have consistently invested to drive down energy use but it remains one of their biggest costs, threatening competitiveness and viability. Government must now seize this opportunity to deliver a long-term, affordable and secure supply of low carbon energy to ensure the industry is globally competitive and can deliver the jobs, economic growth and net zero gains the UK needs.
