NFDA calls for ZEV Mandate review
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has urged the UK government to review ZEV Mandate targets in line with the EU.
The EU is abandoning plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2035. Instead, it will set an electric vehicle sales target of 90%.
Meanwhile, UK regulations have gone the other way, with the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales brought forward from 2035 to 2030 – although the government did introduce greater flexibility around targets last April.
In a letter to the Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander and the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Local Transport Simon Lightwood, the NFDA has said the UK must now review its own targets to ensure continued competitiveness, market certainty and realistic transition pathways for both vehicle retailers and consumers.
Rapid evolution
NFDA chief executive Sue Robinson said: “As the automotive market continues to evolve rapidly, it’s essential that the UK’s ZEV Mandate framework is grounded in the latest developments. We will engage in constructive dialogue with the Department for Transport in 2026 to ensure the ZEV mandate delivers.”
“NFDA remains committed to working collaboratively with the government to support a balanced transition to zero emission mobility that benefits businesses and consumers across the UK.”
Limiting sales
The letter said: “This is a crucial moment, as the European Union has recently announced changes to its own targets. We are concerned that manufacturers may start limiting vehicle supply to the UK to hit their ZEV Mandate targets, which would damage the retail automotive sector and the economy more widely.
“The EU has changed its targets so that only 90% of new vehicles sold from 2035 onwards will need to be electric as opposed to the previous 100% target. We think the UK should bring its policy into line with the EU. We are therefore asking that you remove the current 2030 deadline and revise the requirements of the 2035 deadline.”
