Aston Martin may put brakes on UK production over 'no deal' Brexit

Aston Martin has warned it could be forced to halt production of its luxury cars if the UK is unable to secure a deal over Brexit.

The firm's chief financial officer Mark Wilson said the impact of leaving the EU without a trade agreement would be 'semi-catastrophic'.

The firm has plants in St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan, Gaydon and Warwickshire.

In a tweet, Welsh Economy Secretary Ken Skates responded:

New cars built in the UK are tested by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA), whose approval means they can be sold across the EU.

But manufacturers are warning that this set-up will cease if Brexit happens without a deal.

Mr Wilson told the Commons' Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee that Aston Martin faces 'quite a stark picture' if it needs to obtain certification elsewhere because VCA type-approval is not accepted by the EU.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, told the committee that car makers may struggle if they are forced to obtain type-approval elsewhere in order to continue selling in the EU.

Mr Hawes warned that UK motorists could be charged an extra £1,500 for new cars imported from the EU if 10% tariffs are imposed.