UK car industry body says US trade deal provides much-needed relief

LONDON, May 8 (Reuters) - The tariff cut on British car exports to the U.S. agreed in the U.S.-British economic deal will provide much-needed relief to Britain's car industry, its trade body said on Thursday, expressing hope that it would lead to further tariff reductions.

"The application of these tariffs was a severe and immediate threat to UK automotive exporters so this deal will provide much needed relief," Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, said in a statement.

"We hope that it will lead to broader and deeper cooperation that reduces barriers to trade still further, charting a path to economic growth for both nations."