The UK car industry is facing a critical moment in its history as it tries to cope with the impact of the pandemic, Brexit, and the shift to electric vehicles. Ford's announcement that it will cut 1,300 jobs in the UK over the next two years is a stark example of the difficulties that carmakers are facing in this changing environment.
Ford is not alone in having to restructure its operations and reduce its costs to become more competitive and profitable. The UK car industry as a whole needs help to keep up with the demand and regulations for electric vehicles, which are expected to dominate the market in the near future.
The UK government has set ambitious targets to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and hybrids by 2035 as part of its efforts to tackle climate change and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. However, some experts have warned that the UK is not ready for this transition and that it needs more investment and support for the car industry and consumers.
The UK car industry has also been affected by the uncertainty and disruption caused by Brexit, which has increased the costs and tariffs of trading with the EU, its largest export market. The UK and the EU have yet to agree on a trade deal that would avoid further barriers and quotas on cars and parts.
However, despite these challenges, there are also opportunities for the UK car industry to thrive in the new era of electric mobility. By investing in new models and facilities, some carmakers have shown confidence in the UK market and its potential for electric vehicles. Ford itself has said it will continue to sell a range of vehicles in the UK, including its new electric SUV.