FEWER petrol car models will be built in the UK to meet electric vehicle targets under new rules, the boss of a major car brand has warned.
Martin Sander, general manager of Ford’s European Electric Car Division, said the brand could restrict combustion engine production in the UK to boost EV sales and avoid significant fines.
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The boss has warned against the UK government’s new electric vehicle rules launching this year – and highlighted the problems it will pose for car brands.
Speaking at the Financial Times’ Future of the Car Summit, Sander said the only way to meet net zero targets without paying fines is to reduce the number of Ford petrol cars sold in the UK.
He added: “The only alternative is to take our ICE shipments [internal combustion engine] vehicles to the UK and sell them elsewhere.
This comes after Rishi Sunak introduced the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate in a bid to boost EV production in the country.
It’s a set of strict rules that requires manufacturers to facilitate the production of gasoline and diesel models for electric cars.
The ZEV mandate will ensure that brands that fail to meet EV production targets can face fines of £15,000 for each vehicle over the limit.
Ford, however, said it remains committed to an electric-only vehicle lineup by 2030, with an interim goal for all of its European models to be electric or hybrid by 2026.
As part of this ecological effort, the American giant reaffirmed its decision to discontinue the legendary Focus hatchback.
The change was first announced in 2022, but Ford Europe boss Martin Sander doubled down on the decision this month.
Asked whether the Focus could be extended beyond its current expiration date in light of the EV struggle, he remained firm.
Sander emphasized that the company has “no plans to expand production of the Focus” at its factory in Saarlouis, Germany.
The only alternative is to take [Ford’s] ICE shipments [internal combustion engine] vehicles to the UK and sell them elsewhere
Martin Sander
He added: “In the long term, we are still deeply convinced that EVs will be the future and we will see a significant increase in volume.
“By the end of this year, we will have a full range of electric vehicles – both in the passenger vehicle sector and also in our commercial vehicle line of business – and we will be very flexible to adapt to market demand. , we have a wide choice.
“Basically, our customers have the power to choose what they want.”
As a result, the model will mark the end of nearly three decades of production when the last one rolls off the assembly line in mid-2025.
That said, it’s not the end of the line for Ford’s storied lineup of smaller models.
Bosses have suggested EV hatchback models are on the way following the launch of a four-strong SUV range over the next few years.
It comes after Ford also made the decision to scrap the Fiesta, which had been Britain’s best-selling car for 12 years running, in service of its electric future.
What is the new UK ZEV mandate?
By Jacob Jaffa
INTRODUCED by the Department for Transport, the Government’s new Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate came into force across the UK in January.
- Developed in conjunction with devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the mandate will require that a 22% share of new vehicles sold by any manufacturer in this country be ZEVs.
- The limit will then increase each year, eventually reaching £100 in 2035.
- Failure to comply will see car manufacturers forced to pay a £15,000 fine for each polluting vehicle sold over the limit. For example, if a brand missed its target by 100 units, it would be forced to pay a whopping £1,500,000 fine.
- A similar requirement is also being introduced for van sales, albeit with an initial value of less than 10%.
The move appears to largely nullify Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s decision to delay a ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035, announced in September, as manufacturers will have to produce 80% of their output. with zero emissions by the previous deadline.
Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne said: “As well as having spent over £2 billion on the transition to electric vehicles, our zero emission vehicle mandate will further boost the economy and support manufacturers to safeguard skilled British jobs in the automotive industry.
“We are providing investment security for the charging sector to expand our charging network, which has already grown 44% since last year.
“This will support the growing number of electric vehicles in the UK, which currently account for over 16% of the UK new car market.”
And Akira Kirton, vice president at charging provider BP Pulse, added that the new rules would “instill confidence” in the future of EVs.
Kirton also reaffirmed the company’s plans to invest £1 billion over the next 10 years to improve charging infrastructure.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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