Consumer incentives should be put in place by the UK Government as a matter of urgency within the wake of its decision to delay the ban on the sale of latest petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035.
Sue Robinson, chief executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), which represents automotive and industrial retailers across the UK, said that while the UK continues to carry among the most ambitious climate commitment targets, it still lacked any credible up-front price incentives to support the transition to electric for less-affluent motorists.
“With the removal of the Plug-In Automobile Grant (PICG) last June and price parity yet to be reached between electric vehicles and their internal combustion engine counterparts, the Government must create a transparent and positive message for motorists that they continue to be committed to their climate targets.
“Ultimately, the phasing out of ICE vehicles within the UK requires a transparent strategy from the federal government to realize it, it should be supported by forward considering laws and attractive initiatives to encourage motorists in making the shift. If the UK is to achieve its 2050 net-zero targets it must support the automotive industry, now greater than ever.”
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, agreed, saying that while the automotive industry’s commitment to a zero-emission recent automotive and van market stays unchanged, Net Zero couldn’t be achieved without this sector’s decarbonisation.
“Manufacturers will proceed to place revolutionary recent models in the marketplace but consumers need encouragement to purchase greater than ever. The announcement should be backed up with a package of attractive incentives and measures to speed up charging infrastructure to present consumers the arrogance to modify. Carrots move markets faster than sticks.”
He added that the UK Prime Minister had now confirmed that a mandate to compel the sale of EVs – the one biggest mechanism to deliver Net Zero – might be published shortly, starting in January 2024.
Sally Foote, UK managing director at carwow warned that an overnight consumer poll following the Prime Minister’s U-turn on green policies indicated that 41% of drivers said they at the moment are less prone to buy an EV in the following 12 months due to the delay to the 2030 ban.
“Manufacturers have already made significant investments into recent electric models in preparation for the 2030 ban. Changes to product development, R&D, production, and model line-ups are planned years prematurely and can’t be undone.
“Consumers at the moment are more likely adopt a wait-and-watch approach, which could slow EV sales to retail buyers over the approaching years. This can also be at complete odds with the federal government’s apparent intention to plough on with the Zero Emission Vehicles mandate, which might levy huge fines on manufacturers who fail to make sure not less than 22% of their recent automotive sales are zero emissions in 2024.”
Philip Nothard, insight and strategy director, Cox Automotive added that it’s now vital that the federal government sticks to its pledges and doesn’t move every other goalposts.
“The automotive sector – and consumers – need clarity and certainty,” he said. “The Government must not lose sight of the now urgent requirements for significant investment in EV infrastructure and incentives to support private buyers with the transition to recent and used electric vehicles. Otherwise, in five years’ time, we risk being in the identical position we face today.”
This Article First Appeared At www.am-online.com
