US carmaker Ford has said it will do whatever is necessary to increase profits after blaming the rise in the pound for about two - thirds of a $ 971 m profits reduction in its European operations in 2017 . This is likely to be seen as a thinly veiled warning that it may scale back its operations in the UK – or quit altogether. Ford 's warning is seen as a threat to reduce its operations in the UK . The company ’s annual report said economic growth in the UK had diminished since the referendum . Along with other companies , Ford is concerned that Brexit will end free trade between the UK and EU , which allows components and finished cars to cross borders cheaply and without long border checks .
US carmaker Ford has said it will do whatever is necessary to increase profits after blaming the rise in the pound for about two - thirds of a $ 971 m profits reduction in its European operations in 2017 . Ford 's warning is seen as a threat to reduce its operations in the UK . The company ’s annual report said economic growth in the UK had diminished since the referendum . Along with other companies , Ford is concerned that Brexit will end free trade between the UK and EU , which allows components and finished cars to cross borders cheaply and without long border checks .