The Luxury Carmaker Announces Profit Warning Amid American Trade Pressures and Requests Official Assistance

The automaker has attributed an earnings downgrade to US-imposed tariffs, as it urging the British authorities for greater proactive support.

This manufacturer, producing its vehicles in factories across England and Wales, revised its earnings forecast on Monday, marking the second such revision in the current year. The firm expects deeper losses than the previously projected £110 million deficit.

Requesting Government Backing

The carmaker voiced concerns with the UK government, informing investors that despite having communicated with officials on both sides, it had productive talks directly with the US administration but required greater initiative from UK ministers.

The company called on UK officials to protect the interests of small-volume manufacturers such as itself, which create numerous employment opportunities and contribute to local economies and the broader UK automotive supply chain.

Global Trade Effects

Trump has shaken the worldwide markets with a trade war this year, significantly affecting the car sector through the introduction of a 25 percent duty on 3rd April, in addition to an existing 2.5 percent charge.

In May, the US president and Keir Starmer reached a agreement to limit duties on one hundred thousand British-made vehicles annually to 10%. This rate took effect on 30th June, aligning with the last day of the company's Q2.

Trade Deal Criticism

Nonetheless, the manufacturer criticised the bilateral agreement, stating that the introduction of a American duty quota system adds further complexity and restricts the group's capacity to precisely predict earnings for this financial year end and potentially each quarter starting in 2026.

Additional Challenges

The carmaker also cited reduced sales partially because of greater likelihood for logistical challenges, particularly after a recent digital attack at a major UK automotive manufacturer.

UK automotive sector has been rattled this year by a cyber-attack on the country's largest automotive employer, which prompted a manufacturing halt.

Market Response

Stock in the company, traded on the London Stock Exchange, dropped by over 11 percent as markets opened on Monday morning before partially rebounding to stand 7 percent lower.

The group sold one thousand four hundred thirty vehicles in its third quarter, falling short of previous guidance of being broadly similar to the one thousand six hundred forty-one cars delivered in the same period the previous year.

Upcoming Initiatives

Decline in sales comes as the manufacturer gears up to release its Valhalla, a rear-engine supercar costing around £743,000, which it hopes will boost earnings. Shipments of the vehicle are scheduled to begin in the last quarter of its fiscal year, although a projection of approximately one hundred fifty units in those three months was lower than previous expectations, reflecting engineering delays.

The brand, famous for its appearances in James Bond films, has initiated a evaluation of its upcoming expenditure and spending plans, which it indicated would probably result in lower capital investment in engineering and development compared with previous guidance of about £2bn between its 2025 to 2029 financial years.

The company also informed shareholders that it does not anticipate to achieve positive free cash flow for the second half of its current year.

The government was approached for comment.

Christopher Allen
Christopher Allen

Tech enthusiast and writer passionate about emerging technologies and their impact on society, with a background in software development.