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**Chris** · 22-02-2021, 10:11

The Ellesmere Port plant has been “at risk” every single time it’s needed re-tooled for a new Astra, going back decades. The heart of GM’s strategy in Europe was always the Opel brand, and Ellesmere Port and Luton were the symbolic last remnants of Vauxhall. Now, the new parent company has changed and Covid has slaughtered the economy. Plus, even if we were still in the EU, there are generous ‘structural funds’ (a.k.a. ‘Bribes’) available to suck these sorts of manufacturing jobs eastwards. If they do announce it’s shutting I have no doubt the usual suspects will greet the news with barely concealed glee and insist it proves them right about Brexit. The Portuguese former Renault COO who now runs Stellantis may even use it as a convenient excuse. The facts will of course speak otherwise.

22-02-2021, 10:11	#480
Chris Trollsplatter Cable Forum Team Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: North of Watford Services: Humane elimination of all common Internet pests Posts: 36,918	Re: Britain outside the EU The Ellesmere Port plant has been “at risk” every single time it’s needed re-tooled for a new Astra, going back decades. The heart of GM’s strategy in Europe was always the Opel brand, and Ellesmere Port and Luton were the symbolic last remnants of Vauxhall. Now, the new parent company has changed and Covid has slaughtered the economy. Plus, even if we were still in the EU, there are generous ‘structural funds’ (a.k.a. ‘Bribes’) available to suck these sorts of manufacturing jobs eastwards. If they do announce it’s shutting I have no doubt the usual suspects will greet the news with barely concealed glee and insist it proves them right about Brexit. The Portuguese former Renault COO who now runs Stellantis may even use it as a convenient excuse. The facts will of course speak otherwise. Last edited by Chris; 22-02-2021 at 10:14.