KEN Roper (Oxford Mail, November 14) makes some interesting points regarding global car manufacture and yes, of course, it is all driven by profit.

My points are that our UK volume car industry has relied on foreign investment, not British, and that our EU membership was key to their initial decision to invest in the UK which, because of Brexit and the possibility of a no-deal exit, will have major implications in the mid to long term when future investments are being considered.

It is good that BMW has given assurances about the future, but there are other companies involved as well and they are expressing their concerns about the serious and practical impact of a hard Brexit. Their concerns are not political, but have a direct bearing on their profitability and ability to compete in the world market.

For instance last week the business select committee heard from Honda UK that even a 15-minute delay to their supply of parts from the EU could cost up to £850,000. Honda UK relies on 350 trucks a day arriving from Europe to keep its Swindon plant going because 40 per cent of its parts come from the EU. The Japanese company predicts that even minor delays could leave their trucks waiting an extra 90 hours each day.

No wonder our UK-based car manufacturers are extremely concerned about what happens post-Brexit if the free flow of traffic at Dover and through the Channel Tunnel is delayed as a result of border controls and tariffs.

There is clearly much for our car manufactures to worry about as we leave the EU. The Government’s negotiators have so far failed to assure the companies that the current talks will lead to an agreed trade deal. My fear is that we end up with the uncertainty of a no deal, which should now be of concern to us all.

JOHN FRAY

London Road, Wheatley