Remember when they said a Leave vote would ruin British
manufacturing? Aston Martin today announces a trade
and investment deal with Japan worth £500 million. The luxury car manufacturer
will massively expand its dealership network in the country, and will open a
number of new offices including a global brand centre in Tokyo and a new HQ. At
home, the five-year package will benefit Aston Martin’s factories in St Athan,
Wales and Gaydon, Warwickshire. Exports from the plants will be worth £400
million. The UK beat more than 20 other countries to
secure the deal…
Meanwhile Japanese car-maker Nissan has said it will
increase output from its Sunderland plant by 20% to 600,000 units per year, and
raise the quantity of parts sourced in the UK from 40% to 80%. Not a hint of
either of these good news stories in the Guardian‘s write-up of the Japan trip and
its associated trade deals, which crows: “Theresa May will have to
allay Japanese fears about the impact of
Brexit.” Seems
to be working so far… Euro
Guido.
