Car exports to the EU

sir – UK car production for November fell by 16.5 per cent compared with November 2018 (Business, December 20). Manufacturers have suggested that the expected Brexit date of October 31 had been a major factor in the decline. However, European car manufacturers are experiencing similar difficulties, so I question if Brexit is the culprit.

It is stated that “a no-deal Brexit would mean 10 per cent tariffs on British-built cars destined for the EU, making them more expensive for foreign buyers”, with 80 per cent of the 1.5 million cars we produce being exported. Against this, 85 per cent of UK car imports are from the EU. The number of cars imported from Germany alone was 800,000 in 2016.

Surely this imbalance in the EU’S favour would result in accommodation between the parties. If not, perhaps we should buy home-produced cars. Andrew Cave

London NW3