“WE ARE a British business with a strong manufacturing base in this country. We call Britain home and we remain committed to all our manufacturing sites and investment decisions.”
That is the message from Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Ralph Speth in the wake of last week’s controversial Brexit vote.
The firm, which has its headquarters and key factories in Solihull, Coventry and Warwickshire, says it is business as usual.
Mr Speth added: “We respect the views of the British people and in line with all other businesses, Jaguar Land Rover will manage the long-term impact and implications of this decision: nothing will change for us, or the automotive industry, overnight.
“We remain absolutely committed to our customers in the EU.
JLR has also said it is looking forward to working with the Government and automotive sector to insure the industry remains as competitive as ever and that
negotiations between the UK government and the EU will continue to recognise the importance of car manufacturing.
He added: “Europe is a key strategic market for our business, comprising 20 per cent of global sales, and we remain absolutely committed to our customers in the EU.
“There will be a significant negotiating period, and we need to understand more about that as details emerge.
“We will work hard with all parties to ensure that the importance of the British automotive industry is fully understood at every level of the negotiation process.”
Paul Kehoe, Chief Executive of Birmingham Airport, is also looking positively to the future.
Speaking after the Brexit was confirmed on Friday morning, he said: “Friday’s outcome isn’t just about Britain leaving the EU but is now also about reforming our new Government following the Prime Minister’s announcement to step down.
“The EU referendum result doesn’t mean that we will immediately see a change to our lifestyles, the way that we travel or how our European nationals living and working in Britain will be affected.
“Nor will it mean that we will disconnect with our European partners overnight. It is far too early to speculate about any of these important issues – this is an unprecedented situation after all.
“But it’s important to keep clear and calm heads so that we can ensure that our regional priorities, like HS2, keep moving forward to ensure the future of Midlands residents, workers and industry, is not compromised.”
