Major contributor to UK Economy

Southampton can produce 75,000 vehicles a year with a retail value of £1.4 billion with 60% of the build exported to over 50 countries contributing £85 million p.a to UK balance of trade. It is a major local employer and a positive contributor to UK GDP and the Treasury 

 

Why we need to save the Transit.

Since 1996 Turkey has been in a Customs Union with the EU which allows Ford to import Turkish built vans free of any tarif. Overheads in Turkey, like energy are lower, the taxation regime is more favorable and economies of scale can be made. As Turkey is outside the EU they can pay lower local wages without the cost of EU Social and Employment legislation. Ford has calculated each Van can be assembled $2000 cheaper

Transit Van Rules

 

 

Southampton 'The Home of the Transit!'

In 2011 a new Transit model will be launched it would only require £100 million to completely retool Southampton plant. However Ford are currently proposing to transfer all production of Transit SWB vans to Turkey with the loss of 600 jobs. If no investment for the remaining chassis cab models is forthcoming the plant will close with the loss of 1100 jobs.

The final decision on the future of the Southampton Transit is due to be made in 2010.

The Future of Uk Van Manufacture.

If Southampton Plant should close,then the existence of many suppliers and many more jobs would also be under threat and If Ford can assemble Vans abroad with a $2000 cost advantage then Both the LDV van plant in the West Midlands and the giant Vauxhall/GM van plant at Luton will be forced to follow suit. With the result that the UK will no longer have it's own van building industry

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Transit!

A UK sucess story!

For over 40 years Transit Vans have been produced at Ford's Southampton plant. Over 5 million have been built and it's been the top selling commercial vehicle in Europe and the UK for it's entire life.

Versatile and reliable it's been the 1st choice for thousands of small businesses, from florists to plumbers- from builders to window cleaners. It can been seen in daily use by the Emergency Services and has been the fleet vehicle for many household names like BT, British Gas, Royal Mail and the RAC. It has become such a feature of our everyday working lives that in 2002 ford dubbed it 'The Backbone of Britain' TV ads showed a convoy of vans stretching from the Southampton plant across the length of Britain.

What can be Done?

Almost 1200 signatures were collected on the'Number 10' website

See 'Roll of Honour' here

See Government's shameful reply here

You can also email your MP and ask that they support the case for full reinvestment in the Southampton Transit Plant by signing Early Day Motion 2180

Email your MP here! Enter your Postcode below:

33 MP's signed to date - Lib Dem, Labour, Conservative, Ulster Unionist and UKIP - cross party support!