Automotive leaders have met with David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, to re-emphasise its call for continued access to the single market in the wake of Brexit.

Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, David Davis and Mike Hawkes, chief executive of SMMT.

The roundtable, also attended by ministers from the Department for Transport and Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, was held today (12 December) at the London headquarters of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and saw the organisation set out the conditions necessary for the automotive sector to thrive and the priorities for the UK automotive sector.

Analysis published last month by the SMMT shows that list prices for cars could rise by £1,500 post-Brexit if the UK doesn’t stay in the single market.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, commented: “Today’s discussions were a good opportunity to meet with government to reinforce the success and importance of UK Automotive, and to highlight the specific priorities for our sector when leaving the European Union.

Being part of the single market has helped make the UK automotive sector amongst the most competitive in the world and a critical part of the UK economy. It is essential that we maintain those benefits and we will work with government and our partners in Europe to ensure the global success of our sector continues in the future.”