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Vauxhall sold: Peugeot plays down job cuts and Brexit fears - live updates Vauxhall sold: Peugeot plays down job cuts and Brexit fears - live updates
(35 minutes later)
12.04pm GMT
12:04
Greek economy worse than thought
Back in the eurozone.... Greece has suffered another blow in its battle to emerge from its debt crisis.
New figures show that the Greek economy shrank by 1.2% in the final three months of last year. That’s a very sharp decline, and much worse than the initial estimate of a 0.4% fall in GDP.
It’s the worst contraction since 2015, when Greek banks were closed and capital controls imposed as the country came close to leaving the eurozone.
OUCH. Greek GDP shrank 1.2 per cent in fourth quarter - three times worse than a first estimate of 0.4% Worst quarter since 2015 woes pic.twitter.com/si5UGmBwZR
The figures undermine hopes that the Greek economy was turning the corner.
Indeed, Capital Economics are worried that the EU’s forecast for a growth rebound this year looks rather too optimistic.
Huge downward revison to Q4 #Greek q/q GDP growth from -0.4% to -1.2%. Tsipras, IMF & EU say growth will rebound, surveys suggest otherwise pic.twitter.com/ceZpSbs2RJ
Something for the Greek government to ponder at today’s cabinet meeting, where ministers will discuss a new growth strategy....
11.57am GMT
11:57
Merging Opel and Vauxhall with Peugeot and Citroen could speed up the creation of new auto technologies.
So argues Matt Freeman, managing consultant at cap hpi consulting,
“The greater scale the combined PSA-Opel will have for technology investment will see a step change in vehicle development, which requires not only investment in new powertrain technology, but also the development of a wind-down strategy for internal combustion engines.
Better scale will also create a better negotiating position when dealing with technology providers like Apple and Microsoft.”
11.08am GMT11.08am GMT
11:0811:08
Here’s our news story on the sale of Vauxhall and Opel to PSA Group, and its pledge that job cuts can be avoided:Here’s our news story on the sale of Vauxhall and Opel to PSA Group, and its pledge that job cuts can be avoided:
10.50am GMT10.50am GMT
10:5010:50
Vauxhall-Opel deal: What the experts sayVauxhall-Opel deal: What the experts say
Richard Gane, director and automotive sector specialist at supply chain firm Vendigital, says this is “a bad day” for the UK car industry.Richard Gane, director and automotive sector specialist at supply chain firm Vendigital, says this is “a bad day” for the UK car industry.
He isn’t convinced by PSA’s claim that factories won’t need to close, and believes the UK government needs to offer PSA some ‘inducements’ to protect Ellesmere Port and Luton.He isn’t convinced by PSA’s claim that factories won’t need to close, and believes the UK government needs to offer PSA some ‘inducements’ to protect Ellesmere Port and Luton.
“GM tried to sell Vauxhall-Opel in 2008 and these businesses have been losing money since then so today’s decision to sell is not a surprise. There is great concern however, that once current production runs are completed Vauxhall’s UK-based plants at Ellesmere Port and Luton could close, forcing around 4,500 redundancies.“GM tried to sell Vauxhall-Opel in 2008 and these businesses have been losing money since then so today’s decision to sell is not a surprise. There is great concern however, that once current production runs are completed Vauxhall’s UK-based plants at Ellesmere Port and Luton could close, forcing around 4,500 redundancies.
“While it is not yet definite that the plants will close, there is clearly concern that this could happen because in the case of the Astra, for example, around 75% of components are sourced from the EU and the vast majority of the vehicles made at Ellesmere Port are sold outside the UK. If rumours are correct and PSA Group is planning to combine platforms with Peugeot’s next new model, there would be a strong reason to exit the UK.“While it is not yet definite that the plants will close, there is clearly concern that this could happen because in the case of the Astra, for example, around 75% of components are sourced from the EU and the vast majority of the vehicles made at Ellesmere Port are sold outside the UK. If rumours are correct and PSA Group is planning to combine platforms with Peugeot’s next new model, there would be a strong reason to exit the UK.
Mike Hawes, chief executives of industry body SMMT, is more hopeful:Mike Hawes, chief executives of industry body SMMT, is more hopeful:
“The UK is a competitive player in the automotive industry thanks to its rich heritage, record levels of productivity, skilled workforce and strong collaboration with government. The outlook for vehicle production remains positive with investment commitments made over the past few years still delivering growth.“The UK is a competitive player in the automotive industry thanks to its rich heritage, record levels of productivity, skilled workforce and strong collaboration with government. The outlook for vehicle production remains positive with investment commitments made over the past few years still delivering growth.
We are hopeful that this deal will provide a positive future for the plants at Luton and Ellesmere Port and the wider supply chain given their inherent advantages. We have been encouraged by the active role government has played reassuring investors of its determination to safeguard our competitiveness despite the uncertainty of Brexit.”We are hopeful that this deal will provide a positive future for the plants at Luton and Ellesmere Port and the wider supply chain given their inherent advantages. We have been encouraged by the active role government has played reassuring investors of its determination to safeguard our competitiveness despite the uncertainty of Brexit.”
Rebecca Lindland, executive analyst at car valuer Kelley Blue Book, believes selling Opel and Vauxhall makes sense for General Motors.Rebecca Lindland, executive analyst at car valuer Kelley Blue Book, believes selling Opel and Vauxhall makes sense for General Motors.
It allows the US auto giant to focus on emerging markets such as China and India, she says:It allows the US auto giant to focus on emerging markets such as China and India, she says:
“Opel/Vauxhall was a profit losing puzzle no one at GM could solve for decades, and outside forces such as Brexit and an increasingly complex regulatory environment did not help the situation.“Opel/Vauxhall was a profit losing puzzle no one at GM could solve for decades, and outside forces such as Brexit and an increasingly complex regulatory environment did not help the situation.
Unloading Opel/Vauxhall and the European part of the financing greatly improves GM’s balance sheet, allowing investments in growing markets such as China and India and frees up capital for further expansion into ride and car sharing and autonomous vehicles.Unloading Opel/Vauxhall and the European part of the financing greatly improves GM’s balance sheet, allowing investments in growing markets such as China and India and frees up capital for further expansion into ride and car sharing and autonomous vehicles.
For PSA, the acquisition should provide bargaining power with its suppliers and economies of scale. But production cost savings will be challenged by the powerful labor unions of Germany, the UK and France.For PSA, the acquisition should provide bargaining power with its suppliers and economies of scale. But production cost savings will be challenged by the powerful labor unions of Germany, the UK and France.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.54am GMTat 10.54am GMT
10.25am GMT10.25am GMT
10:2510:25
The Labour MP for Ellesmere Port, Justin Madders, is meeting business secretary Greg Clark today, in an attempt to secure the car plant’s long-term future under Peugeot-Citroën.The Labour MP for Ellesmere Port, Justin Madders, is meeting business secretary Greg Clark today, in an attempt to secure the car plant’s long-term future under Peugeot-Citroën.
Madders says the Vauxhall sale is an important test of the UK’s industrial strategy.Madders says the Vauxhall sale is an important test of the UK’s industrial strategy.
Now the new owners are in place, clearly work must begin in earnest to put UK production in the best possible position. There have been significant challenges faced in the past but thanks to great work between the union and management at Ellesmere Port those threats have been overcome so we must draw strength from previous success. There is no doubt that we have some of the most efficient plants in Europe so we have a good tale to tell and we should not underestimate the positive impact on sales that having a U.K. manufacturing base brings. There should be no doubt that one of the biggest selling points to UK consumers is that Vauxhall is a British brand that supports British jobs. That is something that I know will be stressed to PSA.Now the new owners are in place, clearly work must begin in earnest to put UK production in the best possible position. There have been significant challenges faced in the past but thanks to great work between the union and management at Ellesmere Port those threats have been overcome so we must draw strength from previous success. There is no doubt that we have some of the most efficient plants in Europe so we have a good tale to tell and we should not underestimate the positive impact on sales that having a U.K. manufacturing base brings. There should be no doubt that one of the biggest selling points to UK consumers is that Vauxhall is a British brand that supports British jobs. That is something that I know will be stressed to PSA.
With the country now facing new trading arrangements after Brexit this is the first test of the Government’s commitment to supporting U.K. manufacturing in the new world.With the country now facing new trading arrangements after Brexit this is the first test of the Government’s commitment to supporting U.K. manufacturing in the new world.
My statement on the Vauxhall takeover: https://t.co/hIOSqHaeZZMy statement on the Vauxhall takeover: https://t.co/hIOSqHaeZZ
10.12am GMT10.12am GMT
10:1210:12
Union: Ellesmere Port needs commitments beyond 2021Union: Ellesmere Port needs commitments beyond 2021
The head of the Unite Union, Len McCluskey, has confirmed that PSA has promised to stick to Vauxhall’s existing commitments.The head of the Unite Union, Len McCluskey, has confirmed that PSA has promised to stick to Vauxhall’s existing commitments.
That could reassure workers about their short-term future....That could reassure workers about their short-term future....
....but McCluskey is also worried that the Ellesmere Port plant, which makes Vauxhall Astras, needs a plan for beyond 2021.....but McCluskey is also worried that the Ellesmere Port plant, which makes Vauxhall Astras, needs a plan for beyond 2021.
The Press Association has the details:The Press Association has the details:
Len McCluskey told Sky News that the head of the PSA Group, which makes Peugeot, had given reassurances that all commitments would be honoured as part of the deal to buy General Motors’ European operations, which include Vauxhall in Britain.Len McCluskey told Sky News that the head of the PSA Group, which makes Peugeot, had given reassurances that all commitments would be honoured as part of the deal to buy General Motors’ European operations, which include Vauxhall in Britain.
“There is a cautious optimism,” he said. “But of course the real issue is not the current products, it’s about the new models and we’ll be determined to make certain that the British plants have a long term future.“There is a cautious optimism,” he said. “But of course the real issue is not the current products, it’s about the new models and we’ll be determined to make certain that the British plants have a long term future.
“The current model in Ellesmere Port goes up to 2020/2021 but really it’s this time next year, maybe the middle of next year, (when) we would need to secure acceptance of a new model there. That’s really the challenge for all of us.“The current model in Ellesmere Port goes up to 2020/2021 but really it’s this time next year, maybe the middle of next year, (when) we would need to secure acceptance of a new model there. That’s really the challenge for all of us.
9.49am GMT9.49am GMT
09:4909:49
Vauxhall workers in Merseyside are hopeful that the PSA takeover will work out, reports that BBC’s Colletta Smith:Vauxhall workers in Merseyside are hopeful that the PSA takeover will work out, reports that BBC’s Colletta Smith:
Staff cautiously optimistic about @Peugeot takeover here at Ellesmere Port. "We've survived worse" but the 2,200 jobs only safe until 2021. pic.twitter.com/WDo1ziqRS2Staff cautiously optimistic about @Peugeot takeover here at Ellesmere Port. "We've survived worse" but the 2,200 jobs only safe until 2021. pic.twitter.com/WDo1ziqRS2
9.46am GMT9.46am GMT
09:4609:46
Labour MP Angela Eagle, whose the Merseyside constituency of Wallasey includes many Vauxhall workers, has tweeted about the deal:Labour MP Angela Eagle, whose the Merseyside constituency of Wallasey includes many Vauxhall workers, has tweeted about the deal:
The new owners of Vauxhalls Ellesmere Port plant must recognise how efficient it is and safeguard jobs there in long term #PSAsaleThe new owners of Vauxhalls Ellesmere Port plant must recognise how efficient it is and safeguard jobs there in long term #PSAsale
Govt must be proactive after PSA GM sale to protect many thousands of jobs at Vauxhall and in the supply chain #PSAsaleGovt must be proactive after PSA GM sale to protect many thousands of jobs at Vauxhall and in the supply chain #PSAsale
9.38am GMT9.38am GMT
09:3809:38
Business Secretary Greg Clark has welcomed PSA’s pledge not to rip-up existing deals with Vauxhall’s workers.Business Secretary Greg Clark has welcomed PSA’s pledge not to rip-up existing deals with Vauxhall’s workers.
He says:He says:
“Vauxhall has a long history of success in this country and we are determined to see that continue.“Vauxhall has a long history of success in this country and we are determined to see that continue.
The Government welcomes the assurance by PSA that they will respect the commitments made by GM to Vauxhall’s employees and pensioners.The Government welcomes the assurance by PSA that they will respect the commitments made by GM to Vauxhall’s employees and pensioners.
The UK government will work with PSA to ensure that it keeps that promise, Clark adds.The UK government will work with PSA to ensure that it keeps that promise, Clark adds.
The Prime Minister and I have been in close contact with the PSA Group and General Motors and they have been clear this deal is an opportunity to grow the Vauxhall brand, building on their existing strengths and commitments.The Prime Minister and I have been in close contact with the PSA Group and General Motors and they have been clear this deal is an opportunity to grow the Vauxhall brand, building on their existing strengths and commitments.
9.24am GMT9.24am GMT
09:2409:24
The Peugeot-Citroen press conference is now over...here’s some instant reaction from industry experts.The Peugeot-Citroen press conference is now over...here’s some instant reaction from industry experts.
Deal NOT based on job cuts, @GroupePSA Tavares says:"We give people a chance, because they are good. They are talented…they are creative."Deal NOT based on job cuts, @GroupePSA Tavares says:"We give people a chance, because they are good. They are talented…they are creative."
GM & PSA execs' talking points on Opel deal:"win-win-win" for all 3 companies"industrial logic" made sensemake Opel a "European champion"GM & PSA execs' talking points on Opel deal:"win-win-win" for all 3 companies"industrial logic" made sensemake Opel a "European champion"
Barra says "changing geo-political landscape" part of reason for sale, along with "changing customer preferences."Barra says "changing geo-political landscape" part of reason for sale, along with "changing customer preferences."
9.16am GMT9.16am GMT
09:1609:16
PSA: Hard Brexit could be 'nice opportunity'PSA: Hard Brexit could be 'nice opportunity'
Finally, PSA gets a question about Britain’s exit from the European Union....Finally, PSA gets a question about Britain’s exit from the European Union....
Q: What impact will Brexit have on this deal?Q: What impact will Brexit have on this deal?
Carlos Tavares says that no-one knows how Brexit is going to unfold, but the key issue is the trade relationships that Britain has with Europe.Carlos Tavares says that no-one knows how Brexit is going to unfold, but the key issue is the trade relationships that Britain has with Europe.
If you think deeply about the two scenarios -either it’s hard or soft.If you think deeply about the two scenarios -either it’s hard or soft.
If it’s a soft Brexit, then the focus is simply on performance - being competitive in the UK versus other countries. In that set-up, the cheaper pound could boost competitiveness.If it’s a soft Brexit, then the focus is simply on performance - being competitive in the UK versus other countries. In that set-up, the cheaper pound could boost competitiveness.
If it is a hard Brexit - it will be “a very nice opportunity” to source more car parts from inside the UK, Tavares continues.If it is a hard Brexit - it will be “a very nice opportunity” to source more car parts from inside the UK, Tavares continues.
That would allow Vauxhall to record more of its costs in sterling, bringing them in line with revenues.That would allow Vauxhall to record more of its costs in sterling, bringing them in line with revenues.
This means that the UK supplier base needs to be developed....something that the UK government “totally understands”, Tavares says.This means that the UK supplier base needs to be developed....something that the UK government “totally understands”, Tavares says.
9.07am GMT9.07am GMT
09:0709:07
PSA promises to respect workers' dealsPSA promises to respect workers' deals
Journalists in Paris are pressing Peugeot-Citreon about the fears of job cuts.Journalists in Paris are pressing Peugeot-Citreon about the fears of job cuts.
Q: What guarantees can PSA give to workers at Opel and Vauxhall?Q: What guarantees can PSA give to workers at Opel and Vauxhall?
Carlos Tavares promises that all existing agreements with unions at the two car companies will be honoured.Carlos Tavares promises that all existing agreements with unions at the two car companies will be honoured.
This is not tactical, this is ethics. If there is a deal, we will respect it.This is not tactical, this is ethics. If there is a deal, we will respect it.
But what about the future, when those agreements expire?But what about the future, when those agreements expire?
Tavares repeats his line about giving workers a chance to improve efficiencies.Tavares repeats his line about giving workers a chance to improve efficiencies.
Q: Can you achieve the planned efficiency savings without cutting staff?Q: Can you achieve the planned efficiency savings without cutting staff?
Tavares says the targets aren’t based on cutting jobs.Tavares says the targets aren’t based on cutting jobs.
Instead, it is based on allowing “talented and creative” staff to show their potential.Instead, it is based on allowing “talented and creative” staff to show their potential.
We will offer workers a European benchmark which they can compare themselves to, Tavares adds.We will offer workers a European benchmark which they can compare themselves to, Tavares adds.
9.00am GMT9.00am GMT
09:0009:00
PSA: Everyone will get a chancePSA: Everyone will get a chance
ITV’s Joel Hills gets the microphone.ITV’s Joel Hills gets the microphone.
Q: General Motors is taking a €4.5bn write-down on this deal - isn’t that a sign that it was keen to get out of Europe?Q: General Motors is taking a €4.5bn write-down on this deal - isn’t that a sign that it was keen to get out of Europe?
GM’s Mary Barra reiterates that this deal is an “opportunity to strengthen the business” and help GM to stay competitive.GM’s Mary Barra reiterates that this deal is an “opportunity to strengthen the business” and help GM to stay competitive.
Q: Can Peugeot-Citreon make this deal work without closing factories?Q: Can Peugeot-Citreon make this deal work without closing factories?
PSA’s Carlos Tavares says that PSA hasn’t shut a factory since he took control of the company.PSA’s Carlos Tavares says that PSA hasn’t shut a factory since he took control of the company.
Shutting down a plant is “rather simplistic”, Tavares continues.Shutting down a plant is “rather simplistic”, Tavares continues.
His philosophy is that if you trust people, they will come up with ideas and solutions that you wouldn’t have thought off.His philosophy is that if you trust people, they will come up with ideas and solutions that you wouldn’t have thought off.
But for that to happen, workforce and managers must believe that they are being given a chance.But for that to happen, workforce and managers must believe that they are being given a chance.
Tavares concludes:Tavares concludes:
Everyone will have a chance to reach the benchmark of efficiency.Everyone will have a chance to reach the benchmark of efficiency.
As we progress towards that benchmark of efficiency, we do not need to shut down plants.As we progress towards that benchmark of efficiency, we do not need to shut down plants.