Vertu CEO Robert Forrester says the ZEV Mandate and 2030 ICE ban are “wreaking havoc in the motor sector”. In an op-ed last week, he said manufacturers are “exasperated” by the UK stepping out of line from the EU and US 2035 EV deadline. Ministers have been “caught in the headlights of their own policy […]

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In a weekend OpEd, business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said the government is determined to work with the car industry to increase take-up, boost jobs and hit emissions targets – but added the UK’s drive for EVs cannot be delayed or “our rivals will overtake us”. He said more than 2 in 3 OEMs had previously […]

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Transport secretary Louise Haigh and business secretary Jonathan Reynolds will meet with the auto industry on Wednesday amid reports the government is preparing to relax rules around the ZEV mandate. It comes amid claims the sales quotas “have pushed car makers to crisis point”. Haigh will also attend a bilateral meeting with Nissan today (Monday […]

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More than half of auto retailers say they disagree with the proposed reinstatement of the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, reveals Auto Trader research. The new Labour government vowed to reinstate the ban on non-hybrid ICE cars, after the Conservative government pushed it back in October 2023. The research comes as […]

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Retailers have “clearly communicated their priorities to the next government” and delivered seven key ‘asks’, says the NFDA, ahead of the General Election this Thursday. In a statement, which Auto Retail Agenda exclusively saw ahead of launch, chief executive Sue Robinson said that key issues include the ongoing skills shortage and restimulating the private EV […]

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Ford has reportedly backed down on plans for agency. It is instead planning a hybrid approach that utilises the strengths of its franchise network while capitalising on opportunities of data sharing. “We’ve evolved our thinking to become what we call an ‘advanced franchise’ model,” Ford EV sales and brand management boss Anna Lena Strigel told Autocar […]

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Lookers has opened its £6 million new and used vehicle multi-franchise hub in Middlesbrough. As well as multi-franchise vehicle sales, the centre will focus on all-electric driving including specialist servicing, maintenance and body repair. The site also houses Ford and BYD dealerships. Lookers’ investment in the site will contribute towards Middlesbrough Council’s ambition of becoming […]

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Hyundai has chosen Ohme as its new official charging partner, Auto Retail Agenda can exclusively reveal. Hyundai retailers will now recommend Ohme smart chargers for EV sales. “Its technical innovation and extremely high levels of customer service make for an ideal partnership,” said Hyundai and Genesis UK president Ashley Andrew. Hyundai joins Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Group […]

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Arnold Clark is to invest £23m to install more than 500 electric vehicle chargers across the UK. They will be available 24/7, be “totally secure” and Arnold Clark customers will get preferential rates. The ambitious new Arnold Clark Charge network will use rapid DC chargers from Finnish company Kempower. Around 500 units, offering charge speeds […]

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The rising cost of living and high prices are deterring buyers from purchasing an EV. When asked whether the current economic climate is impacting their vehicle purchase, 43.3% of the 1009 respondents in a recent survey said it is impacting them negatively. They reported having to either spend less, choose a different make or model […]

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