UK plans to support carmakers

Changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate may ease the pressure on manufacturers as market turmoil unfolds.

Announcements include confirmation of the 2030 phase-out date of new petrol and diesel car sales, with hybrids to be sold until 2035 and small manufacturers exempt.

There will be a £2.3bln offering to boost manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles and help consumers move to electric vehicles (EVs).

Support for the car industry will be kept under review, says the government, as the impact of new tariffs become clear.

The updated ZEV Mandate offers extended time for repayment of manufacturers loans through to 2030, and allows for van to car transfer, i.e. one car credit can be exchanged for 0.4 van credits, and one van credit can be exchanged for 2.0 car credits.

It will also exempt small and micro-volume manufacturers – supercar brands including McLaren and Aston Martin – from the Mandate targets.

Vans with an internal combustion engine will also be allowed to be sold until 2035, alongside full hybrids and plug-in hybrid vans.