Government's 2030 Petrol and Diesel Car Ban Delay Sparks Mixed Reactions in Motor Trade

In the latest car dealer news coming straight from the heart of the industry, the government's decision to postpone the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel car sales by five years has created quite a stir, leaving many in the business with what can only be described as 'a headache.'

Speaking exclusively to Car Dealer, a diverse group of car dealers, ranging from renowned names like Wheeler Dealer's Mike Brewer to seasoned industry professionals, have weighed in on this hot topic. Their reactions reflect a wide spectrum of opinions, illuminating the challenges and uncertainties faced by the motor trade.

Mike Brewer, a familiar face to television viewers and the owner of two used car dealerships, expressed skepticism about the ban ever materialising on schedule. In his words, it's an "impossible deadline," one that he had predicted wouldn't be met years ago. Even as an electric car owner, Brewer confessed to grappling with the electric future on a daily basis.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's announcement of the delay to 2035 came as a surprise to many, with Darren Ardron, managing director of national franchised dealer group Perrys, expressing concern about the timing. He pointed out how original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) had geared their business towards the 2030 deadline, and this abrupt change could pose challenges.

Neil McCue, director of Snows Motor Group, representing esteemed brands like BMW, Seat, and Volvo, empathised with manufacturers who had invested substantial efforts in planning for the 2030 shift. He highlighted the complexities faced by manufacturers and retailers due to such sudden policy changes.

Peter Vardy, representing car makers including Porsche, BMW, and JLR in Scotland, echoed similar sentiments. He expressed that the automotive sector was being tossed about by politicians, making it difficult for manufacturers to plan effectively.

However, not everyone was ready to jump to conclusions. Peter Smyth, director of family-run dealer group Swansway, believed it was too early to predict the announcement's impact and preferred to wait for the dust to settle.

Tony Roberts of Magna Mazda recognised the challenges posed by the lack of infrastructure to meet EV charging demands, but he also lamented the disappointment felt by manufacturers who had invested significantly in preparations for 2030.

The delay came shortly after Mini confirmed building new electric models in Oxford, backed by government support. Tony Roberts pointed out that the current market share of electric cars, around 16-17 percent, indicated consumer hesitancy towards EVs.

Tony Denton, boss of Batchelors Motor Group, representing brands like Suzuki, Renault, Dacia, and Nissan in Yorkshire, felt that internal combustion engines would persist for a long time, and the 2030 deadline was never realistic.

Sean Kelly, managing director of BMW and Mini dealer group Vines, remained optimistic about the industry's electric future, suggesting that market-driven forces would ultimately drive EV adoption.

Stuart Mustoe, CEO of Ford-owned dealer network TrustFord, called for incentives to support electric car adoption in the present, emphasizing the need to support consumers during the powertrain transition.

Used car dealers shared similar sentiments, with many believing that the 2030 deadline was unachievable and that the delay wouldn't significantly alter car manufacturers' plans.

In conclusion, the government's decision to postpone the ban on petrol and diesel cars until 2035 has stirred a mixture of emotions and opinions within the motor trade. While some see it as a necessary adjustment, others perceive it as a political move in an election year. The future of the industry remains uncertain, with challenges and opportunities on the horizon.

Attribution: This article is based on information from cardealermagazine.co.uk.

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