The move follows Japanese-owned Yuasa Battery Europe’s decision to invest in its own brand. As part of this tactic, the company’s automotive customer service department has been transferred from Birmingham to the Yuasa factory in Ebbw Vale, Wales.
Marcus Heather, managing director for Yuasa Battery Europe, says: “We are naturally sad about our decision concerning Lucas branded products but we feel for Yuasa, being part of a global producer and supplier of battery products, now is the time for us to invest in our own brands.”
Heather says the company will be making “significant and positive” announcements concerning its automotive battery business later in the year.
Yuasa set-up a 50,000 sq ft factory in Wales in 1981. In 1985 it decided to further expand the factory by 100,000 sq ft, helping to make Yuasa Battery UK the largest producer of sealed lead acid batteries in Europe. The company’s UK operations currently employ 800 staff.
Although it is ending its 20-year association with Lucas, Yuasa says it will continue to market other complimentary brands. Yuasa batteries are manufactured to OE standards and carry a UK-wide warranty. They are also recyclable.
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