And while Ryton makes just a single model, Peugeot's French plants produce at least two, many of which share components to cut costs.

ECONOMIST: Another car plant dies; long live British carmaking

But British unions are voicing two widely-held suspicions over the decision to close Ryton rather than a French plant that also produces the model.

ECONOMIST: Another car plant dies; long live British carmaking

Although a strong pound and weak euro may have encouraged Ryton to keep importing parts from outside, the practice sets it apart from most other volume carmakers in Britain.

ECONOMIST: Another car plant dies; long live British carmaking