During a speech On Wednesday, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak laid out what he called a “new strategy” to tackle climate change. The writes Automotive News.
Among other things, the planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars is to be postponed from 2030 to 2035.
– We will have a smooth transition to electric vehicles, Sunak said.
– Will be able to buy petrol and diesel cars till 2035. Even after that you can buy and sell used cars, he continued.
The Prime Minister expects Even without a ban, he said, most vehicles sold in the UK would be electric.
– Now you the consumer should make that choice instead of the government forcing it on you, he says.
Belatedly, the UK’s plan is now in line with the EU, and their plan to only allow sales of zero-emission cars after 2035.
Rishi Sunak’s decision has stirred emotions among many automakers. Among others, Kia, Ford and Volkswagen have voiced criticism and believe the change creates confusion.
However, Toyotawelcomes the decision and hopes it will facilitate a “practical” transition.
In November 2020, then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that sales of new petrol and diesel cars would be banned after 2030 as part of what he called a “green industrial revolution”.
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