Industry shifts focus to Labour Party’s automotive policy after election victory

As employers of 78% of the 758,000 people working in the sector and generating an annual turnover of £100 billion, car retailers will now be focusing on how Labour plans to address the factors that most impact on their businesses – and, just as importantly, the pace at which it does so.

Labour was, in fact, the only party with a specific motoring policy that recognised the contribution the motoring industry was likely to make to achieving a net zero emissions target.

Mike Hawes, president of the Society for Motor Manufacturers, expressed support for a tailored approach to achieving net zero emissions, which, if the conditions are right, could also translate into economic growth.

“The new government’s commitment to an industrial strategy and the Automotive Sector Plan already published can make manufacturing more competitive, improve trade relations and support consumers,” he said.

Ahead of the upcoming general election, Labour has promised to reintroduce a ban on the sale of new combustion engine cars from 2030.

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