Unite demands Zero Emissions Vehicles Mandate changes
to support UK automotive sector
The dramatic fall in UK car production during January must be a
wakeup call for the government to transform rules around electric
vehicle sales, Unite, the UK's leading union, said today.
Figures released today
from the SMMT (society of motor manufacturers and traders)
show that car production fell by 17.7 per cent compared to
January 2024.
The Department of Transport is currently holding a consultation
on the Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) mandate. Unite has submitted
a strategy to reform the mandate, support the UK automotive
industry and achieve a just transition for workers.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “The
ZEV Mandate's focus on sales alone won't electrify Britain's
roads - it's a blunt tool that risks jobs instead of boosting EV
adoption. Unite's proposed reforms offer a smarter path, aligning
with net zero goals by driving EV sales, supporting UK
production, and protecting thousands of automotive
jobs.
“The UK auto industry is at a crossroads, with
thousands of jobs on the line. The government must act to prevent
the low-volume crisis from permanently shrinking the sector.
Labour's industrial strategy must chart a clear path through
industry upheaval, ensuring a just transition for auto
workers.”
Unite's ZEV proposals include providing additional credits for
UK-made vehicles; ‘bundling' to allow EV and low emission
commercial vehicles to count towards passenger vehicle thresholds
and allowing exported EVs to count towards credits for meeting
thresholds.
The UK ban on internal combustion engine vehicles should stay in
line with the European Union's 2035 deadline, unless there is a
proven strategy to defend jobs, which ZEV does not currently
deliver.
Beyond ZEV, Unite is calling for a broader strategy to support
auto jobs and grow the EV market. Proposals include VAT
reductions on UK-made EV sales for private drivers, investment in
charging infrastructure and action on energy profiteering to
drive down charging costs.
