Ford Europe boss Steven Armstrong told Reuters the company is
considering importing more cars into Britain ahead of time to
avoid any disruption if there is no deal, is working with
suppliers to minimise delays and is re-examining infrastructure
at its own Dagenham port.
Britain is due to leave the world's largest free trade bloc on
March 29 but there are concerns over what happens if
parliamentarians vote down May's proposed deal next month,
including possible snarl-ups at ports and motorways which would
disrupt manufacturers.
Armstrong said May's deal with Brussels "isn't perfect" but
allows the firm to plan.
"A no deal Brexit would be a catastrophe ... It’s important that
we get the agreement ratified that’s on the table at the
moment," he said.
Manufacturers are also seeking a guarantee of free-flowing trade
to avoid delays and extra customs checks at ports when future
trading rules kick in after a transition period, which is due to
end in 2020.
"I keep pushing the point that we need frictionless trade at the
borders as well," Armstrong said. "That's not quite crystal
clear in the withdrawal agreement."
(Reporting by Costas Pitas, editing by Stephen Addison)
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