On Thursday, 16th February 2017 I attended the launch event of a new model of family car, the Skoda Kodiaq, at their dealership in Bedford Road in Northampton. The Mayor of Northampton was also present.
At the launch, workers at Skoda showcased and discussed their new model and its new features.
I always like to support business in Northampton whenever possible, and by having a dealership in Northampton this company employs local people and makes a positive contribution to our local economy. There are of course a number of car showrooms in Bedford Road and elsewhere in Northampton and the automotive industry is one which has always been important to the local economy in Northampton and will hopefully be so in the forthcoming years.
British Car manufacturing is on the rise - figures released in late 2016 show that car production has reached its highest level since 1999 with over 1.6 million cars rolling off the production line last year. Also, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders a record 1.2 million cars are being exported to overseas markets. ‘Made in Britain’ is a badge that ensures that the vehicle is made to an exceptionally high standard which is why cars produced in this country are coveted by buyers worldwide.
The manufacturing sector of the economy will become more important than ever after our exit from the European Union and these figures prove the strength of our sector. Automotive companies such as Nissan have already committed to continue producing cars here in the UK and thus, given our economy the green light after Brexit.