As Andy Burnham enters Parliament as Prime Minister for the first time today, the motor trade is calling on him to address ongoing challenges facing the sector.
With the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars looming, the main issues include better affordability of EVs, more charging points with fairer costs, and a shortage of qualified technicians needed to keep EVs on the road.
EV review
Shortly after replacing Sir Keir Starmer on July 22, the Government began a review of electric vehicle sales targets to back jobs, investment and maintain a competitive UK automotive sector.
The review comes at a time when Government figures show that more than 1 in 4 new cars sold are now electric and EV sales are up 45% on July last year.
The consultation, which runs until October 23, invites industry stakeholders to help shape the pathway to the 2030 phase-out of new petrol and diesel cars and the introduction of 100% zero-emission new car and van sales by 2035.
Many in the motor trade are calling on the new Prime Minister to continue supporting the EV drive and believe the results of the review are crucial for the road ahead.
Laura Harvey, director of communications and public affairs at Autotrader, told Car Dealer Magazine: “The most pressing issue for the industry is the outcome of the ZEV Mandate review, and it’s not clear yet where Burnham’s position lies.
Support
“Although there’s been a lot of progress with the electric vehicle transition to date, it’s still at a precarious point and therefore requires support for the industry and clear and positive messages for consumers.
“With a greater choice of models at more affordable price points, new EV demand is strong, and as more people gain more confidence with the new technology that’s flowing into healthy levels of demand for used EVs.
“So, whatever the next government announces, what matters is that it sends a clear message of confidence to industry and consumers alike.”
She said that one of the biggest steps forward would be greater support for used electric cars and fairer charging costs.
She added: “We’d like to see greater levels of support for the used EV market so more people can access cheaper motoring, as well as more equitable charging rates so those without off street parking aren’t at a disadvantage.
“What matters is that the new government continues to show support for the electric vehicle transition and remains committed to supporting industry and consumers to make the switch.”
Skills shortage
As well as setting the right route to make the switch, the Institute of the Motor Industry warns that a deepening skills crisis needs addressing.
It told Car Dealer Magazine that a shortage of qualified technicians is now becoming a road safety issue and wants Mr Burnham’s government to put the UK’s automotive industry at the heart of its plans for growth.
Nick Connor, CEO of the IMI, said: “We congratulate Andy Burnham on becoming Prime Minister and we genuinely welcome his stated commitment to re-industrialisation and to technical and vocational skills.
“However, before the general election, Labour promised to champion the motor industry – a sector fundamental to the UK’s economy and its social infrastructure. Two years on, that promise has not been delivered, and the skills gap in our sector has become a road safety issue.
“Vehicles are changing faster than at any point in history – electrification, connected systems, automated driving technology.
“The people who maintain, repair and recover them must be demonstrably competent, yet apprenticeship starts are falling and qualification levels are nowhere near where demand requires.”
