Carmakers to Begin Brexit Plant Shutdowns in U.K.

Several automakers will begin long-planned Brexit-related plant shutdowns in the U.K. this month, despite a last-minute delay in Britain’s exit from the European Union.

The temporary closures were scheduled months ago and cannot be quickly moved, Reuters reports. They were intended to ride out expected parts supply disruptions when the U.K. lost its tariff-free status as an EU member at the end of March.

But late last week Brexit was delayed until at least April 12, adding yet another financial impediment for carmakers trying to manage their operations in Britain. The delay also imperils impending investment decisions for the facilities.

BMW has moved up its Mini assembly plant’s normal summertime stoppage in Oxford to April and will idle its Rolls-Royce factory in Goodwood for two weeks this month. The company also will conduct a four-week stoppage at an engine plant in Hams Hall and a stamping facility in Swindon, Reuters notes.

PSA Group has rescheduled a summertime shutdown at its Opel/Vauxhall Astra assembly plant at Ellesmere Port to April. Honda and Jaguar Land Rover each will idle plants for a few days this month as part of their Brexit planning.