Ford worried about economic impact of hard Brexit amid uncertainty

Ford faces an $800 million bill if Britain leaves the European Union without a deal, comprising World Trade Organisation tariffs and the impact of a weaker pound, Sky News reported on Thursday, citing internal calculations from the auto company. Car makers and other manufacturers, including Airbus earlier on Thursday, have warned about the toll a no-deal Brexit could impose, including higher tariffs, disruption to supply chains and threats to jobs.

Britain is due to leave the European Union in 64 days, and with Prime Minister Theresa May failing to win support for her negotiated deal, companies are increasingly worried about the possibility of a chaotic Brexit. Ford operates two engine plants in Britain, its third-largest market, and the destination for roughly one in three cars made at its German Cologne plant.