In a determined attempt to maintain the presence of Nissan production in Great Britain, business secretary Jonathan Reynolds has sworn to implement “substantial change” in the country’s sales goals (EV) of the country.
During a visit to the vast headquarters of Nissan on the outskirts of Tokyo, Mr. Reynold’s senior executives assured that the government was willing to revise the so -called Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate to tackle concern that is expressed by Carmakers. After the meeting he said that “a substantial policy change” had been agreed, according to reports in the Times.
Mr. Reynolds noted: “We will do everything we can to ensure that Nissan has that safe future in the UK, as a result of which the business and regulatory environment reflects it. The entire government is absolutely of the opinion that you will not achieve the progress around Zero and the energy transition that we want to see by closing the British jobs and the British industry. “
Although the business secretary refused to specify the precise nature of the changes discussed, insiders indicate that “nothing is gone”. However, government sources have quickly prevented the idea of an official change in attitude, insisting that there is “no change” in the head goals of the ZEV mandate – although they have long hinted that “more generous flexibility” could be introduced to accommodate manufacturers.
Carm makers including Nissan, Ford and Stellantis (owner of Vauxhall) have criticized the strict character of the Zev mandate. In particular, the potential fine of £ 15,000 per car for not failing to do the SET EV sales goals is described as excessive, especially at a time when the consumer demand for electric cars has not yet overtaken official ambitions.
At the moment, 28 percent of the new cars sold in the UK must be fully electrically-a figure that will steadily increase to 80 percent by 2025. While these milestones remain in force, the government has hinted that the fines can be facilitated for non-compliance and has suggested that existing “flexibility” can be expanded.
Insiders in the industry also believe that ministers assess how to reduce the scale of fines. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has further encouraged the government to encourage consumers’ interest rates by reducing taxes on EV purchases and equalizing VAT rates for drivers who trust public charging points and those who charge at home.
Despite recent efforts – including £ 4.5 billion in discounts last year – electric vehicles are still good for one in ten new cars purchased by private owners. With Nissan ready to produce the latest incarnation of his popular leaf model in Sunderland, the managers have warned that inflexible regulations can undermine the viability of British production if the consumer’s demand remains lukewarm.
As the debate persists, Mr. Reynolds claims that the pre -barning of a stable, competitive and future -oriented environment for British car manufacturers is paramount. Whether it concerns mitigates fines or extensive ‘flexibility’, the proposed ‘substantial change’ of the government aims to protect the future of Great Britain in an automotive market that is increasingly defined by the transition to Net Zero.