Labour MP Liam Byrne who is also chair of the Commons Business & Trade Committee has called on the government to bring forward a review of the ZEV Mandate.
The proposal was backed by Vertu Motors CEO Robert Forrester (pictured) posting on LinkedIn who said the current policy was “idealistic and delusional.”
Byrne has written to government departments outlining his concerns over the mandate and received replies in return.
Posting on LinkedIn he said: “The ZEV Mandate review must be brought forward now. This is a set of letters which reveal ministers recognise our automotive industry faces serious industrial challenges but see no need for urgency in reviewing the current design of the ZEV Mandate which threatens to tip much of the industry into crisis.
“The Government now admits that critical parts of the battery supply chain, including cathode active materials, are developing more slowly than expected, while manufacturers face rising costs, fierce international competition from unfairly subsidised Chinese rivals plus growing uncertainty in key export markets.
“Despite these warnings, ministers have so far declined to bring forward the review of the mandate.”
Responding to the post Robert Forrester Vertu Motors CEO said: “This is a very thoughtful and frankly spot on intervention from a highly influential Labour MP.
“The message is getting through that this idealistic, delusional policy must change quickly.
“Government are causing great harm to a sector which could create jobs, apprenticeships and pay taxes.
“The Government appears disinterested in such matters. Mind blowing. Well done, Liam.”
