SMMT statement on changes to Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate 

The government has rightly listened to industry, responded quickly to global dynamics and recognised the intense pressure manufacturers are under. Industry remains committed to decarbonising road transport but the ZEV Mandate targets are incredibly challenging, especially with a paucity of consumer demand and geopolitical upheaval. Growing EV demand to the levels needed still requires equally bold fiscal incentives, however, to give motorists full confidence to switch.

We await full details of the regulatory amendments but, given the potentially severe headwinds facing manufacturers following the introduction of US tariffs, greater action will almost certainly be needed to safeguard our industry’s competitiveness. UK-US negotiations must continue at pace, while the long-awaited industrial and trade strategies should prioritise automotive and be delivered at speed.

In this vastly changed world, a package of measures is needed to support manufacturing, especially the supply chain, so our industry can deliver the economic growth, jobs and investment the country needs.