The shadow of Brexit at the stands of the Geneva Motor Show
If the UK leaves the European Union on March 29 without a withdrawal agreement, many questions arise: what will happen to the Just-in-time production system on which the European auto industry is based, or to the demand for vehicles across the continent. p>
The stakes are high as the UK is Europe's second largest car buyer and fourth largest manufacturer, and this Brexit uncertainty will have a negative impact on the entire industry.
The UK auto industry is already seeing declines in sales, investment and production, with Japan's Honda hitting the biggest blow by announcing plans to close its UK plant.
But automakers cannot suddenly cancel a planned production that has been building for years. So UK supercar company McLaren will showcase its Speedtail in Geneva, UK brand Bentley will showcase its Bentayga Speed, and Aston Martin will showcase its Lagonda.
But a number of other automakers, such as the UK's Jaguar Land Rover, which tightens its belts, and the American Ford, which is winding down its European activities, are staying away from Europe's top auto shows.