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Despite growing pressure from the car industry, the rules on the percentage of electric vehicles (EVs) car firms must sell will not be weakened, according to the UK transport secretary. The mandate will become more strict next year ahead of a complete ban on new diesel and petrol cars by 2035. Car makers have, nonetheless, suggested that the rules could threaten jobs. Several senior government ministers will hold talks with car makers in the UK this week on the EV mandate and the slump in car demand.
While the government is prepared to consider “flexibilities”, the transport secretary insisted that “the mandate will not be weakened”. She added: “There has been a downturn in demand on a global level so we are absolutely in listening mode – we want to discuss how the current situation is affecting them, but we are not diluting our ambition.” The trade association, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), has said the industry “will likely miss” this year’s targets, with an estimated 18% of UK car sales currently EVs.
Labour has called for the ban to be brought forward to 2030 in its manifesto. The SMMT and car makers say they support the government’s long-term aims but are looking for concessions. One suggestion is that the penalties car makers have to pay for missing the targets should be reduced. The SMMT is calling for government grants for EV buyers and tax changes. New car registrations in the UK remain a fifth lower than pre-Covid.
Nissan, which the transport secretary met with earlier this week, says it is “committed to playing a full role in the transition to net zero in the UK”, but adds that “changes are required now to reflect the reality of the market, as we continue to work together to encourage more drivers to make the switch”. Meanwhile, Stellantis, which owns Citroën, Peugeot, Vauxhall and several other car brands, has said it is aligned with the objectives of the mandate but is reviewing its operations working with its union partners. In April, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares called the rules “terrible” and said that they could force the company to reduce its presence in the UK. Union Unite has urged Stellantis to commit to its future at its Luton and Ellesmere Port factories to address the “fear and rumour” it has created by announcing a strategic review
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