Car Industry Warns of Insufficient Reforms
Car manufacturers have criticized Sir Keir Starmer's net-zero reforms for not doing enough to protect UK jobs from Donald Trump's tariffs. The Prime Minister's announcement that petrol, diesel, and hybrid vans will remain on sale until 2035 and reduced fines for missing green targets has left the industry concerned.
Reactions from Industry Leaders
Stellantis UK chief Eurig Druce and Ford UK boss Lisa Brankin both expressed that while the measures are a step in the right direction, more significant actions are needed to support the transition to electric vehicles. Auto Trader's Ian Plummer also highlighted the importance of additional incentives to make EVs more affordable and appealing to consumers.
Implications for UK Drivers
The new rules allow car companies more flexibility in meeting electric vehicle targets by borrowing credits from future years. Fines for manufacturers failing to meet emissions standards have been reduced, and hybrid cars will now be sold until 2035, providing drivers with a longer transition period. Small British firms like Aston Martin and McLaren have been granted exemptions to continue producing petrol cars post-2030 ban. Additionally, tradespeople and delivery drivers will have until 2035 to switch to new van models without facing new technology requirements.
