(qlmbusinessnews.com Wed, 20th Sept, 2023) London, UK —
Potential Delay in Petrol Ban Could Hinder Electric Car Adoption, Warns Industry Chief.
The head of the UK's motoring industry group has cautioned that postponing the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars could deter drivers from transitioning to electric vehicles. Government ministers are reportedly contemplating shifting the planned ban from 2030 to 2035. Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), expressed concern that such a delay would send consumers an “incredibly confusing” message.
In 2020, the government set the policy to prohibit the sale of new pure petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, as part of the broader net-zero plan. However, several sources have suggested that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is considering scaling back the proposal, along with other green commitments, as a cost-saving measure.
Ford, a major UK car brand, and Stellantis, the parent company of Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen, and Fiat, have voiced their commitment to achieving 100% zero-emission new car and van sales by 2030, regardless of a potential ban delay. However, they stress the need for government clarity on crucial legislation, particularly environmental issues.
Economist Anna Valero, a member of Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's advisory committee, argued that a delay would harm the UK and disrupt long-term investment decisions for a stronger, more sustainable economy.
While most consumers won't be immediately affected by the ban, the SMMT's Mike Hawes expressed concerns about its impact on car manufacturers and potential delays in consumers' electric car purchases. He stressed the importance of transitioning to sustainable transport to achieve net-zero emissions.
Edmund King, president of the AA motoring group, called the 2030 goal “ambitious but achievable” and emphasized the need for more certainty for the car industry and drivers to plan for the future.
The SMMT highlighted the UK car industry's success in securing investment for zero-emission vehicle development in recent months, including BMW's investment in its Mini factory and Tata's battery plant plans.
BMW stated that a delay to 2035 wouldn't alter its electric car plans, debunking reports suggesting it was a condition for its recent investment. Jaguar Land Rover affirmed that its net-zero plans remain on track and called for legislative certainty regarding the end of petrol and diesel car sales.
Mike Hawes also expressed confidence in the introduction of the zero-emission vehicles mandate, requiring 22% of cars sold by each manufacturer to be zero-emission from 2024.
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