Industry needs show to lift gloom

The repercussions from Peugeot's decision to close its plant at Ryton rumble on with workers from the Coventry facility joining their comrades from around Europe to picket outside the PSA annual general meeting in Paris. Peugeot, however, is proving intractable, standing firm against union proposals to keep the plant open and insisting the economic case for closure brooks no argument. Meanwhile components suppliers await the fallout from Vauxhall's cuts at Ellesmere Port and a South Wales brake factory, Continental Teves, is to axe 400 jobs. A glimmer of light was shed by Ford's decision to boost production at its engine plant in Bridgend, South Wales. Against this gloomy backdrop an unedifying spat has broken out between the SMMT and the RMIF over industry attempts to create a viable code of practice for the vehicle repair and service sector. The UK industry needs a morale boosting showcase. Hopefully the British International Motor Show in July can provide it. James Dallas