Manufacturers 'remain steadfast' in plans despite anticipated ban on petrol and diesel cars...

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 in the UK. This comes after the government previously announced that the ban would take effect in 2030, with certain hybrid cars allowed until 2035. However, many car and van manufacturers have stated that they will not change their plans for electric cars, regardless of the government's decision.

Mini, a car manufacturer based in Oxford, has committed to becoming a fully-electric brand by 2030 globally. They recently announced that they will produce their fully-electric Cooper and Aceman models in the UK from 2026. Despite the expected delay in the ban, Mini has stated that they will not deviate from their plan.

Stellantis, the company overseeing brands such as Vauxhall, Peugeot, and Citroen, has two van production facilities in Luton and Ellesmere Port. They have already moved to producing fully electric models and have expressed their commitment to achieving 100% zero-emission new car and van sales in the UK and Europe by 2030. Stellantis plans to transition 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 committed to becoming a pure-electric brand from 2025. They have three plants in Solihull, Castle Bromwich, and Halewood. JLR has stated that their plans are on track and they welcome certainty around legislation for the end of the sale of petrol and diesel cars.

Ford, although no longer manufacturing cars in the UK, has a diesel engine factory in Dagenham and a transmission plant in Halewood. They will start producing electric vehicle components from 2024. Ford UK chair, Lisa Brankin, has expressed concerns that moving the 2030 deadline undermines previous commitments and the transformation of the industry. Brankin emphasizes the need for ambition, commitment, and consistency from the UK government.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), representing the UK automotive industry, has also voiced concerns about mixed-messaging and its impact on consumers' willingness to switch to electric vehicles. They stress the importance of a clear, consistent message from the government, attractive incentives, and reliable charging infrastructure to build consumer confidence.

Overall, while the expected delay in the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans may affect government climate change policies, many car and van manufacturers remain committed to their plans for electric vehicles and are already making significant progress towards zero-emissions goals.

FutureCar Staff