Automotive suppliers report mixed results amid global challenges

AR parts makers across the North East have talked about a range of performances with some seeing improved revenue and profitability.

- TOM KEIGHLEY Business writer [e-mail]

Gestampos base in Newton Aycliffe

(Gestamp/Gestamp Newton Aycliffe)

Fresh accounts for many of the region's tier 1 automotive suppliers have been published in recent weeks, covering a year in which the sector continued to face a number of challenges from regulatory constraints in the transition to electric motoring to cost inflation. Key suppliers representing hundreds of jobs in the North East reported gains despite a year in which overall UK car production plummeted by 11.8%.

In Washington, interior trim specialist Kasai UK saw turnover drop from £72m to £69.7m but operating profits grew from £663,000 to £1.74m and pretax profits were boosted from more than £759,000 to £1.82m. The Japanese-owned firm, which provides door trims, said sales of production parts for the Nissan Qashqai were down 2% to £1m whilst sales of parts for the Nissan Juke model were up 16% to £2.2m.