Auto industry set out five pledges for the next government

At its annual International Summit in London, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has called on the next government to adopt five pledges that they say are vital to ‘supercharge’ the industry. 

While pointing out that the UK auto industry is critical to the UK economy, the introduction to the manifesto warns that we are at an equally critical moment and calls on all parties ‘to enshrine our shared 2030 vision: To develop a UK automotive ecosystem fit to deliver a zero emission future. An ecosystem which delivers a healthy market and vibrant domestic production footprint, founded on a resilient supply chain successfully evolved to meet current and future technological needs for a zero emission future. An ecosystem which delivers the affordability, mobility and charging solutions for everyone.’

The SMMT express the need for a ten-fold increase in EV production to 750,000 units per year by 2030, equating to £106 billion worth of vehicles.

The five pledges the SMMT want the next government to adopt are:

A Green Automotive Transformation Strategy for a stronger economy
Publish a Green Automotive Transformation Strategy that supercharges UK Automotive to achieve net zero. A strategy which enables innovation, attracts investment and secures manufacturing of clean technologies in the UK to deliver economic growth and zero emission mobility.

Net zero mobility for everyone
Foster a reliable and affordable UK-wide recharging and refuelling network through binding targets complemented by a motor tax and regulatory system that ensures no one is left behind in the transition to net zero.

Green skills for a greener future
Offer the skills workers want, by creating a one-stop-shop national upskilling platform, and develop the future talent that business needs, combined with greater STEM education in schools and a dynamic immigration system that attracts global talent.

Made in Britain – Made for the world
Position automotive and advanced manufacturing supply chains at the core of UK trade policy and market access. Secure access to global markets for tariff-free export of British-made vehicles, batteries and green technologies, and deliver export support services that allow businesses of all sizes to succeed.

Powering the UK clean tech revolution
Ensure net zero-critical industries such as automotive are able to access affordable and internationally cost-competitive zero emission energy to power the clean tech revolution. Dedicated energy and investment measures should be available to make zero emission vehicle production and use a reality.

Speaking at the automotive industry’s annual Summit, Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: ‘The government has set the industry tough targets and we are committed to meeting them. But we are in the middle of the most fiercely competitive investment landscape of a generation and need a UK response, urgently, using every policy, every fiscal and regulatory lever, to make Britain the most attractive place to invest. The automotive industry rises to every challenge, so we set out today a challenge to all political parties: back us with the right conditions and we will turn our obligations into opportunities for our industry, for jobs, for the environment and for the UK.’