Why McLaren boss is staying upbeat over Brexit (but he would like to know what the arrangements will be)

By JAMES SALMON TRANSPORT EDITOR IN GENEVA

Updated:

The boss of British supercar maker McLaren has said it will adapt to Brexit come what may.

Amid stark warnings from fellow car makers about Britain's departure from the EU, Mike Flewitt struck a more upbeat tone.

At the Geneva Motor Show, the 55-year-old Liverpudlian said: 'Whatever comes out of Brexit we'll work with it and we'll be able to build continually a very strong financial business whatever the arrangements are. 

Flying the flag: McLaren's new Senna GTR concept car. The sports car firm is poised to receive the keys to its new £50m factory, built on an old coal mine in Sheffield

Flying the flag: McLaren's new Senna GTR concept car. The sports car firm is poised to receive the keys to its new £50m factory, built on an old coal mine in Sheffield

'My only real concern with Brexit is not knowing what those regulations are at the minute so I don't actually know what to plan for.'

The comments come as McLaren is poised to receive the keys to its new £50million factory, built on an old coal mine in Sheffield.

More than 200 highly skilled jobs will be created. 

Flewitt said the building is almost finished and manufacturing the prototype carbon fibre 'tub' – or chassis –for its supercars will start this year. By 2020, it will make around 3,000 tubs annually.

The Woking-based firm has shifted manufacturing from Austria to Sheffield, attracted by city's skilled workforce and a grant from the local council.

The relocation gives it more control over the manufacturing process, and insulation from tariffs if they are introduced. 

Almost 60 per cent by value of the components in McLaren supercars and hypercars will be made in England – up from around half. 

The decision to ramp up manufacturing in Britain was taken before former prime minister David Cameron announced an in-out referendum on the EU.

But McLaren's move comes after several global giants including Nissan, BMW and Toyota have announced plans to build models at existing UK plants.

 

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