Car manufacturers remain committed to original plans despite upcoming ban on petrol and diesel vehicles.

author: FutureCar Staff    

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to announce that the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will be postponed to 2035. This comes after UK car and van manufacturers have stated that they will not change their plans for electric cars, despite the expected announcement.

The government had previously announced that the ban on new petrol and diesel cars would take effect in 2030, with certain hybrid cars allowed to remain on sale until 2035. However, Sunak is expected to delay certain climate change policies, including the petrol and diesel car ban.

Many car manufacturers have already made commitments to transition to fully zero-emissions cars well ahead of the 2035 deadline. Mini, for example, has announced that it will become a fully-electric car brand by 2030 and will not change its plans. Similarly, Stellantis, which oversees brands such as Vauxhall, Peugeot, and Citroen, has committed to achieving 100 percent zero-emission new car and van sales in the UK and Europe by 2030. They plan to move to electric sales ahead of current legislation, with Fiat becoming an EV-only firm by 2027 and Vauxhall by 2028.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), one of the largest car makers in the UK, has already committed to becoming a pure-electric brand from 2025. Ford, although no longer manufacturing cars in the UK, has a diesel engine factory and a transmission plant that will produce electric vehicle components. Ford's UK chair, Lisa Brankin, has expressed concerns that moving the 2030 deadline undermines previous commitments.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which represents the UK automotive industry, has also voiced its concerns about mixed-messaging. They believe that confusion and uncertainty will hold consumers back from making the switch to electric vehicles. They emphasize the importance of a clear, consistent message from the government, attractive incentives, and reliable charging infrastructure to encourage consumers to adopt electric vehicles.

In summary, while the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans is expected to be postponed to 2035, many car manufacturers have already committed to transitioning to fully zero-emissions vehicles ahead of the deadline. The SMMT highlights the importance of clear communication and supportive measures to encourage consumers to make the switch to electric vehicles.

FutureCar Staff