The impact of membership on the 海角视频鈥檚 auto industry was explored recently in a report by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and KPMG, entitled . It found some big benefits for the 海角视频鈥檚 auto industry from staying in the EU, particularly in relation to investment, growth and job creation.
The report stresses that EU membership boosts both the attractiveness of the 海角视频 as a place to invest, and the competitiveness of the domestic automotive industry. Not surprisingly, it notes that access to the Single Market is fundamental to 海角视频 auto manufacturing, thereby supporting sales and facilitating supply chain growth. It also adds that EU bargaining power in trade negotiations is critical to improving access to international growth markets, thereby helping major exporters such as Jaguar Land Rover.
A second argument centres on regulations and standards. The report highlights that the 海角视频 needs a powerful voice at the EU level to make sure that the specific needs of the 海角视频鈥檚 auto industry are considered.
This is a key argument that those in favour of exit fail to take on board.聽 Some 45% of 海角视频 auto export go to the EU, so even if (a big if) the 海角视频 were to leave and still have some sort of access to the Single Market, producers in the 海角视频 would still have to meet European regulations so as to sell into Europe. That would mean having to anyway follow European regulations rather than helping to shape them, which might mean German of French firms shaping them for their own benefit.
Other arguments for remaining in the EU include ensuring access to EU funding that has boosted R&D and innovation at businesses and universities in the 海角视频, and the free movement of labour which enables 海角视频-based firms to combine domestic and international talent (which is especially important giving skills shortages in the 海角视频 industry).
Of course, that doesn鈥檛 mean that the EU can鈥檛 be improved, such as through the simplification of regulations and reducing complexities for firms operating in the EU.
But it does suggest 鈥 as Mike Hawes at the SMMT has noted 鈥 that when it comes to auto 鈥渂eing part of a strong Europe is critical for future success鈥. He added that 鈥渋f we are to maintain this position and increase access to growing global markets, the 海角视频 must play a key role in shaping EU policies, budgets and regulations鈥.
John Leech at KPMG also noted that 鈥渞esearch and development, which is vital to the 海角视频鈥檚 ability to be at the forefront of innovation in car manufacturing, is both heavily funded by the EU and requires access to the expertise and free movement of skilled engineers within the EU鈥.
In the wake of the recent elections to the European Parliament, the future of the 海角视频 in the European Union remains something of a political hot potato.聽 But when it comes to the auto industry at least, it seems that there are some strong arguments for the 海角视频 staying in and helping to shape the future of the industry.
* Professor David Bailey works at the Aston Business School
