Nissan and Toyota to seek compensation from UK in no-deal Brexit

Japanese firms demand government cover tariff costs if UK and EU can't agree to a free-trade agreement.

By Lawrence Allan, Autocar UK calendar 06 Oct 2020 Views icon3794 Views Share - Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to LinkedIn Share to Whatsapp
Nissan and Toyota to seek compensation from UK in no-deal Brexit

Japanese manufacturers Nissan and Toyota have demanded that the UK government reimburses them for tariff costs if the UK can't agree on a Brexit deal with the European Union (EU).

As first reported by business publication Nikkei Asia, the companies are preparing themselves for a 10% tariff on cars exported from the UK to the EU that could come into place from 1 January 2021. If such market conditions do arise, they want the UK government to bear the brunt of the tariff costs. 

Both make cars in Britain, with Toyota producing the Corolla and the heavily related joint-venture project, the Suzuki Swace, at its Motor Manufacturing plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire. It has an annual production capacity of 180,000 cars. 

Nissan’s Sunderland plant is larger, with the capacity to produce 500,000 cars a year. It currently build the Juke, Leaf and Qashqai for supply in the UK and Europe primarily and is Britain’s biggest car factory.

Employees remain at work within the Swindon factory of another Japanese firm, Honda, but that the facility will be closed next year.    

Last month, bodies that represent the car industry both in the UK and Europe called on both sides to urgently agree a free trade agreement. It warned that if this isn’t done, it could cost the sector 110 billion euros (Rs 909,370 crore) In lost trade over a five-year period.

The World Trade Organisation tariffs, which would be imposed in the event of a no-deal Brexit, would add 10% to the cost of a car and up to 22% for larger trucks and vans. 

READ MORE:

Car makers risk losing out in zero-tariff Brexit trade deal

Worst 'new plate' September on record for new car sales

The car industry's 2021 Brexit timebomb

 

RELATED ARTICLES
Hyundai unveils next−gen highly efficient hybrid system

auther Autocar Professional Bureau calendar22 Apr 2025

The next-gen hybrid system is claimed to offer 45% better fuel efficiency and 19% more power compared with ICE powertrai...

Horse Powertrain reveals hybrid conversion for electric cars

auther Autocar Professional Bureau calendar19 Apr 2025

Engine-making joint venture of Geely and the Renault Group announces new hybrid powertrain that fits into the same space...

Aisin to produce hybrid motor for Mitsubishi in Thailand

auther Autocar Professional Bureau calendar06 Apr 2025

The hybrid drive motor and gearbox, will be produced at Aisin Powertrain (Thailand) Co for use in the Mitsubishi XForce ...