Wednesday 24 June 2020

Ford calls for government and stakeholder partnership to achieve UK net zero target

A consistent long-term strategy is needed if the UK Government is to meet its target of only allowing the sale of zero-emissions new vehicles by 2030s.

So says the Chair of Ford Britain Graham Hoare, who called for a wide partnership to help the UK meet its net zero target.

Citing the example of Norway, which has offered consumers incentives in the past 30 years such as cheaper road tolls, ferry fares and parking prices and has developed a recharging infrastructure, with a density six times per person higher than that in the UK today, he outlined some of the key points of a UK strategy.

These include purchase and usage incentives, an uptake of recharging points and an increase in green energy generation.

Speaking at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders International Automotive Summit Live 2020, he said: “A successful future for the auto industry is dependent on achieving our longer-term objective of a zero-emissions future.

“We need the government to partner with us and have joint equity in formulating and delivering a comprehensive and consistent strategy that encompasses all stakeholders and that provides a path to the future.

"A path which also encompasses a range of technologies, including mild hybrids (cars using electric motors to boost combustion engine for short times), hybrids and plug-in hybrids on the route to zero emissions."