INDEPENDENT GARAGE ASSOCIATION RESPONDS TO I.C.E. BAN DATE CHANGE

Following the government's decision to extend the timeline for the ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035, the Independent Garage Association (IGA) is pleased to welcome the approach, allowing for much-needed time to address the challenges related to electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and the affordability of EVs, particularly in the face of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Responding to the Prime Minister’s announcement that he would extend the date by which there would be a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035, Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive, said:

“The announcement yesterday by the Prime Minister represents a reality check that the infrastructure required to support wholesale EV adoption in the UK is currently lagging behind where it would need to be, had the 2030 ban remained in place.”

 James went on to say, “In the current challenging economic climate, to impose the high cost of new electric vehicles on businesses and consumers, would be a step too far, so pushing back the ban date 2035 is the right thing to do.”

James continued, “To ensure that the new 2035 is achieved, there needs to be Government support not only for the required infrastructure, but also for upskilling of staff across the independent automotive sector, in order to provide consumers with the confidence that making the change to electric vehicles, is backed up with an accessible network of local, competent garages to meet the changes in their motoring needs.”

To ensure that the new 2035 is achieved, the IGA calls upon the government to use this extended timeline wisely by developing plans to boost EV infrastructure, reduce the price gap between EVs and traditional vehicles, and provide adequate support for both consumers and the automotive sector during this transitional period.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS

• You can read more about the move of the ban from 2030 to 2035 in the Prime Ministers Net Zero press release here.

The Independent Garage Association (IGA) is the largest and most prominent trade body representing UK independent garages. They support members with the day-to-day challenges and complexities of running a garage business and offer a wealth of services, advice and resources, while ensuring that the sector’s voice is heard at Government level. https://independentgarageassociation.co.uk