There are sensible reasons for building it outside Team GB.
Unknown status of tax and tariff outside Brexit times.
Cost of labour (ask JLR about their new factory sadly)
Cost of overheads, tax, paye and other things here ?
Access to a larger market with lower transport costs for distribution
Greater long term support as economies collide (NA and EU, China and EU etc) and EU negotiation is bigger and can defend itself ?
I am not saying we are unable to compete, Nissan and Toyota factories are shining examples of great work by british people. I think Swindon got the bum end of the deal more as a result of Hondas reluctant marketing aggression and reducing sales figures whilst propping up the Japanese production facility? Historically they had great results. I am going to guess that the lack of clarity around Brexit did drive a contributing nail into that one.
But if you read the INEOS article it goes on about being honest and transparent in their DNA, really?
What I find less honest and so makes me feel less well disposed towards them is that they are using a "BRITISH" brand like the defender with the equity gained over years but making it elsewhere if it does go to France. I would not argue over the benefit in a highly competitive and legislated market but it would be a false brand in my eyes. I was impressed by how well BMW have retained the "Mini, its made in Brum" to retain some depth to the Britishness. Whilst freely admitting it is also made elsewhere now. If the components are all sourced outside the UK and it is made in France they may as well call it the 4CV as far as I am concerned.
As many have said, if it was sold as a farm workhorse then the Toyota/Mitsu/Generic pick-up have already sauntered off with it's lunch and left £10k in the bank. If it is going after the low end Chelsea club then I suspect they will migrate to the new not-a-discovery-defender as it does drive better on road and is still a JLR thing a bit like the Range Rover they use for going out. By making it as rugged as a HiLux but £20k more it seems a bit odd? If you then make it in the famous never-made-a-profit Smart factory with the somewhat edgy french labour system It feels like it will be worth watching for an education?
I wish him luck as I do like someone aiming ot make something extra but it does feel a little like they face a prevailing wind.
If they get it on the UK road with a radio and carpets (Inc VAT and Taxes ready to drive) for less than £50k I will be impressed, they are talking about 40k in the article. It feels like some people are playing fast and lose with the facts in order to gain interest which is always a bad sign at this point. I see it in the IT industry all the time.
