The managing director and chair of Ford UK, Lisa Brankin, told the news that a government mandate to increase EV production and sales “just doesn’t work” in the absence of demand.
The remarks fuel an escalating dispute between the industry and the government over the phase-out of new gasoline and diesel vehicles over the next years.
Due in part to the EV targets, Vauxhall’s owner, Stellantis, said on Tuesday that it will close a facility in Luton, threatening 1,100 jobs.
“A dark day for Luton” is how Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds described Stellantis’ decision to the House of Commons on Wednesday.
