Vertu Motors CEO Robert Forrester issued a swingeing attack on the government electric vehicle strategy despite a softening of its stance on ZEV targets.
He told BBC News that the current government strategy was ‘a policy of hope above reality’ and that ZEV Mandate EV targets had crushed retail car sales volumes to levels lower than during Covid when showrooms were shut
“This is a policy of hope above reality. We have targets that will not be achieved, with potential fines in place for the manufacturers at a time when there is massive uncertainty globally for the automotive supply chain.
“There are no financial incentives for private customers to buy electric vehicles. The industry have been calling for incentives so they can meet these very high targets, the most aggressive in the western world, which will not be achieved.
“Last week the government decided to put up vehicle excise duty on electric vehicles which will mean most consumers who bought electric vehicles will pay £2,000 more over the next six years.
“This is completely not joined up and the government has not done everything to support the automotive industry.
Forrester said government had helped with business sales but retail sales to consumers had received no incentives.
“The tax breaks are for corporates buying electric vehicles, not for private buyers.
“These mandates last year resulted in car sales to private individuals in the UK were at a 25-year low.
“The industry sold less cars last year to private buyers than the industry did when it was closed during Covid,” he said.
