Citroën UK is stressing the need for a “tariff-free” deal between Britain and the European Union (EU) as London looks to a looming deadline of 1 January, 2021 in the Brexit negotiations.
The UK government has launched a blitz of advertising to persuade business to make itself ready for whatever outcome transpires, with Citroën confident it is prepared for the scenario with which Britain is presented on New Year’s Day.
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Britain is currently in a transition period following its decision in 2016 to quit the trading block, but even if an agreement with Brussels is secured, there will be changes with which to contend as the UK leaves the EU Single Market and Customs Union.
“We really do need to see a tariff-free arrangement [with the] European Union,” Citroën UK MD, Eurig Druce told just-auto. “I have no more information than the general public in the UK.
“We keep a really close and watchful eye on the progress being made. It will have a negative impact if we do not have a tariff-free arrangement. We have production in the UK for Citroën and our Dispatch van is produced here in Luton.
“In terms of being ready for a hard Brexit or no-deal scenario, we are confident we are ready and prepared for that outcome. We would prefer to avoid being in that scenario.”
Druce made his comments as the automaker unveiled its three-year ‘Citroën Advance UK’ plan for the brand. He stressed the need to simplify communication to customers as Citroën looks to ramp up its British offer with 11 new model derivatives in 16 months.
EVs will feature in the drive with Citroen’s new model programme including the ë-Dispatch van, while the coming few months will see the continuation of the brand’s electric vehicle plan with the launch of New ë-C4 and ë- SpaceTourer passenger vehicles, as well as the ë-Relay large panel van.
