Report: ‘orderly’ Brexit essential for UK autonomous vehicles industry to thrive

The report – which is co-authored by market research company Frost & Sullivan – suggests that a “£62 billion boost” for the UK economy is “up for grabs” by the year 2030, with £500 million having already been invested in CAV technology on the part of government and industry. This will be contingent however on an “orderly” departure from the European Union, with no deal resulting in “lasting damage to the UK’s reputation as a politically stable destination for inward investment.”

Speaking of the report’s findings, SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said: “A transport revolution stands before us as we move to self-driving cars, and the UK is in pole position in this £62 billion race. Government and industry have already laid the foundations, and the opportunities are dramatic – new jobs, economic growth and improvements across society.”

He continued: “Brexit has [however] undermined our global reputation for political stability, and it continues to devour valuable time and investment. We need the deadlock broken, with ‘no deal’ categorically ruled out, and a future relationship agreed that reflects the integrated nature of our industry and delivers frictionless trade.”