| Blackpool, UK based sports-car
maker TVR is to outsource all production to Europe, shedding 250 jobs
in the process and reneging on earlier promises that production would
continue in the UK.
The 2007 run of Tuscan, Tuscan Convertible and Sagaris will be be produced
in Europe, although TVR’s “straight six” powertrains
(4-litre engines including clutch and gearbox made entirely in-house by
TVR) will still be produced in the UK.
TVR owner Nikolai Smolenski said: "We are extremely sorry that, after
a period of uncertainty and raised hopes that we could continue production
ourselves in Blackpool, we have had to make this decision
"We need to secure the future of the company and move it forward.
I am afraid we see no other way to do so."
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Iconic, brutally quick and continuously improving
in terms of quality in recent years, TVR is a sad loss for the UK
car industry. |
The Transport and General Workers Union, (T&G) representing the
TVR workers said the news was “bitterly disappointing”.
Dave McCall, T&G North West regional secretary, said: "This is
a bitter blow for Blackpool and an iconic British sports car. It is particularly
hard to take in after everyone's hopes had been raised just a few months
ago when workers who had been laid off were taken back."
TVR has said that it plan to continue with all current arrangements for
the supply of cars and parts.
Smolenski said: "We shall be making further announcements in due
course about our plans which we believe represent a major advance for
the proud name of TVR. But for the time being we are concentrating on
our staff in Blackpool and the consultation process. We are acutely aware
of the shock and distress this will cause for our staff and their families.
We will ensure that we meet all our responsibilities towards them over
the coming months.”
TVR team up with Ricardo to develop new
engines
TVR’s new
production site unveiled: Blackpool
TVR: Blackpool
plant to close; production to increase
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