This month’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows that 32% believe this a good way to fight back against tariffs, 18% that tariffs could badly affect UK car sales abroad and 16% want to support UK manufacturers.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance

However, 15% doubt that this kind of boycott would have any effect on tariffs being imposed, 14% believe that UK cars sales won’t be seriously affected and 5% don’t feel the need to support UK motor manufacturers.

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “While the actions so far taken by the US are quite limited, tariffs have been receiving a lot of attention in the press lately and motor manufacturing is certainly one area where it appears President Trump is looking to use them to reshape imports and exports. This has come on top of tussles between China and the EU when it comes to electric vehicle tariffs at the end of last year.

“Our research shows that the public takes quite a dim view of this kind of economic protectionism and a majority would proactively fight back by boycotting the cars of any country that imposed tariffs on UK manufacturers.

“The main issue here is that the country most likely to impose tariffs is the US and we buy very few US-made vehicles here, despite some concerted efforts by major manufacturers over the years to change that. There are just not many cars to boycott.

“Probably the Trump view would be that we should be buying cars from the US to balance out trade but these vehicles have been largely rejected by UK buyers in the past purely because they didn’t meet their needs or expectations.”

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, added: “Yesterday’s announcement by President Trump is not surprising but, nevertheless, disappointing if, as seems likely, additional tariffs are to apply to UK made cars. The UK and US auto industries have a long-standing and productive relationship, with US consumers enjoying vehicles built in Britain by some iconic brands, while thousands of UK motorists buy cars made in America. Rather than imposing additional tariffs, we should explore ways in which opportunities for both British and American manufacturers can be created as part of a mutually beneficial relationship, benefitting consumers and creating jobs and growth across the Atlantic. The industry urges both sides to come together immediately and strike a deal that works for all.”