DUNTON, UK - Lisa Brankin, Chair and Managing Director, Ford of Britain and Ireland, has issued this statement following the closure of a consultation with the UK Government over its Vehicle Emissions Trading Schemes.
“We welcome the government’s direct attention on the UK electric vehicle scheme and its initiation of a consultation with the industry. Now that the consultation has concluded, the time for talking is over and our industry needs urgent action.
“Ford shares the government’s carbon reduction ambitions and is committed to an electric vehicle future, but these ambitions are unachievable with the current level of consumer demand. Adoption of electric vehicles isn’t happening fast enough, and we risk falling short of important environmental targets while also facing costly penalties if we don’t meet targets.
“We have been very clear throughout the consultation that stronger governmental support is essential, including purchase incentives, faster charging infrastructure roll-out, and greater flexibilities in the VETS scheme to help manage the transition.
“Ford and others have invested heavily in electrification, but ambition alone won’t get us to net zero—we need decisive action now.”
