EU to delay 2035 ban on petrol and diesel sales
The European Union is expected to delay the 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles until 2040 – and the UK has been urged to follow suit.
The EU could make an announcement before Christmas on a series of measures intended to reduce pressure on European vehicle manufacturers, according to reports.
In the UK, Labour brought forward the ban on new petrol and diesel sales from 2035 to 2030 in April, despite widespread industry concern.
It is now being urged to bring UK policy in line with EU policy, with fleet software specialist FleetCheck saying that it would be under ‘huge pressure’ to postpone the ban.
Perfect storm
FleetCheck CEO Peter Golding said: “The EU appears to be recognising car and van makers are facing a perfect storm of needing to make massive investments in electrification while at the same time facing new competition from Chinese new entrants against the backdrop of an overall market that remains tepid.
“While we don’t know yet exactly what steps will be taken, they are likely to be significant, including a potential relaxation of the 2035 ICE ban, which would be a major development.
“Any measures will place huge pressure on the UK government to fall into line. The EU is the mass market on our doorstep and it is difficult to resist policy alignment in key areas, especially when it comes to a crucial sector of the economy such as motor manufacturing.”
