TVR abandons UK - no more Blackpool rock

TVR's statement reads:

"Staff at TVR’s Blackpool factory have been informed today that the company is planning to outsource all production.

Agreements are being finalised for the 2007 run of Tuscan, Tuscan Convertible and Sagaris to be produced in Europe while fully built powertrains – straight six, four-litre TVR engines including clutch and gearbox – are due to 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.”

Consultation has begun with staff and the Transport & General Workers Union on redundancy and counselling support is being put in place.

TVR plans to continue with all current arrangements for the supply of cars and parts. Discussions are being held with key suppliers about future relationships.

Mr Smolenski continued: “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.

“We would also like to express our gratitude to all those who have worked with us over the past months to try to maintain the company in Blackpool.

“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.”

This was bound to happen sooner or later, sadly.

I did my DAS around Blackpool and used to practice u-turns outside the factory! New cars used to drive out of there regularly - what a noise they make!

Well, I'll never buy a TVR nor as a show of support , either that or because I couldn't afford one

[Biker Biggles]

I believe TVR are or were the biggest British car maker.Now going the exact same way as the rest of British industry----abroad.What's the betting on Triumph going to the Far East within a decade?
Where will it end?---GB ltd drained and relegated to a bankrupt has been backwater with anything worth having sold to foriegn interests.Oops that's what Rover did is'nt it?
Running out of gas and oil now so what will prop up the gravy train in five or ten years when the family silver is gone?