Car dealer Vertu backs delay in fuel ban but says EV goals ‘fuzzy’
Car dealer Vertu Motors praised the decision to delay the ban on gasoline cars, but said manufacturers’ targets for electric vehicle (EV) sales are “confusing.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last month delayed the plan to block the sale of new fossil fuel-powered engines from 2030 to 2035.
But manufacturers still have to meet sales targets for electric cars and vans.
The supply of electric cars already exceeds demand, Vertu said, meaning manufacturers may have to offer discounts.
“The Government has taken a pragmatic approach to moving back from a full ban until 2035,” said the chain, which owns 190 sites in the UK.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last month delayed the plan to block the sale of new fossil fuel-powered engines from 2030 to 2035.
But manufacturers will be forced to comply with the zero-emission vehicle mandate, which takes effect in January, or risk being fined.
Under the mandate, electric vehicle sales must represent 22 percent of total car sales and 10 percent of truck sales by 2024. The goal will increase each year.
“Increased supply of new electric vehicles from manufacturers is evident, while retail demand remains weak,” Vertu said in its first-half results statement.
He added: ‘Manufacturers are therefore trying to stimulate retail demand for these vehicles by offering discounted prices and supported finance rates.
“Confusing messages from the Government may further contribute to this.”
To see your recorded record revenues of £2.42bn, with a pre-tax profit of £31.5m.
