UK automotive industry welcomes Andy Burnham
The UK automotive industry has welcomed new Prime Minister Andy Burnham but called for greater clarity around key issues impacting the sector.
It says the change in leadership offers an opportunity to address lingering questions around net zero, the ZEV Mandate and Electric Vehicle Excise Duty.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “On behalf of the UK automotive industry, I congratulate Andy Burnham on becoming Prime Minister and wish him every success as he forms his new government.
“The Labour Party has already demonstrated its commitment to automotive manufacturing through the industrial strategy and, building on those foundations, the sector can be a powerful engine for growth, delivering investment, innovation and high value jobs in every part of the UK.
“There remain many challenges to the industry, both at home and abroad, but if we strengthen our competitiveness and provide greater support for the transition to net zero, we can drive reindustrialisation and economic renewal in every region and nation of Britain. We look forward to working with the Prime Minister and his team to realise that opportunity.”
Concerns
Meanwhile, Peter Golding, CEO at FleetCheck, added: “We’ve heard very little so far about transport from the new Prime Minister but he does keep reiterating themes of being both business friendly and making life easier and less financially stressful for ordinary people.
“Both the ZEV Mandate and eVED would seem to us to fall into these categories. They are policies that are expensive and add complication for companies operating cars and vans, and for motorists, too.
“While we understand that fleet is not at the top of the government’s agenda, it would be positive for the sector to be able to open discussions with the appropriate new ministers and their teams in a matter of weeks or months to express our concerns.”
