MANUFACTURERS have moved to quash fears that a strike by vehicle handlers last week could affect new car deliveries.

The Transport and General Workers’ Union (TGWU) had raised concerns that industrial action by vehicle handlers STVA could mean a shortage of cars in the run up to the new registration period in September.

A total of 35 workers went on a 24-hour strike on August 2 at sites in Scotland, Birmingham and Oxford. Their job involves moving vehicles off train and truck transporters ready for onward journeys in the UK and abroad.

TGWU regional industrial organiser Bob Shaw, said the strikes could have a major effect on several of the major manufacturers, including Jaguar, Ford, Peugeot, Citroën and Honda.

But the manufacturers told Fleet NewsNet that they anticipated little impact, if any.