Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port to make new Astra, but only if Brexit goes well

Groupe PSA said on Thursday that the decision on whether Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant gets to build the new Astra model hinges on how smoothly Brexit goes.

"Groupe PSA has today announced its intention to manufacture the next generation Astra in two plants in Europe. The group has confirmed that the Russelsheim plant will manufacture Astra and that it is planned that the second plant will be Ellesmere Port in the United Kingdom," it said.

However, it said the decision on the allocation to the Ellesmere Port plant will depend on the final Brexit terms and the acceptance of the New Vehicle Agreement, which has been negotiated with the Unite trade union.

PSA added that since its acquisition of Vauxhall Motors, it has been "working hard" to turn around the fortunes of the brand and to address the performance of the commercial and manufacturing divisions.