Perran Moon, Labour MP for Camborne, Redruth & Hayle has come under fire from motor dealers for his views on the ZEV Mandate review
In a post headed: “Right, let’s cut the crap about the ZEV Mandate Review” Moon told carmakers they needed to “embrace the opportunities of EVs rather than let the Chinese dominate.”
Moon said the government was not going to break its commitment to ban the sale of ICE vehicles by 2040.
“It is NOT the job of Government to underwrite manufacturer’s commercial decisions to focus on internal combustion engines (ICE), rather than EVs.
“We are NOT going to break our manifesto commitment to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.
“When reviewing the ZEV Mandate, I will continue demanding that Gov considers the ENTIRE EV supply chain (inc domestic lithium extraction, battery production, and charge point infrastructure, which already represents ££ tens of Billions of investment) and rather than simply ICE car manufacturers.
“More UK and European manufacturers need to wake up and embrace the opportunies of EV (consumers are already there) rather than let the Chinese dominate. Get on the (electric) bus or become a relic.”
Vertu CEO Robert Forrester said: “I am afraid this post misses the point that this state intervention of aggressive targets and threats of fines impacts market balance. The EV targets are higher than the natural demand of consumers and businesses for the product.
“As a result, supply exceeds demand. Prices therefore have to be reduced to levels below cost on EVs to stimulate demand. This impacts all OEMs who have all invested in EVs. Profits and returns disappear as noted by the SMMT with discounts of £5bn a year.
“The policy destroys jobs and investment across the sector. There is no debate about its impact from parts suppliers to retailers.”
James Brearley, former MD of Lookers and CEO of Inchcape UK said: “I am sad to say that the content and tone of this post demonstrates an enormous lack of knowledge.
“A lack of knowledge always leads to unintended consequences and that leads ultimately to further cost burdens to taxpayers.
“My strong advice Perran is to climb off your high horse, open your mind and talk to all of the industries involved in this legislation you may at least then be able to articulate the effects of your support for these policies.”
