SMMT welcomes government support for ultra low carbon vehicles

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has welcomed the government announcement incentivising the shift to ultra-low carbon transport but says immediate attention must focus on guaranteeing the UK industry’s long-term future at the heart of low carbon technology development.

As part of government’s £250m green motoring scheme announced within the Heathrow expansion plan, the initiative details plans to encourage consumers to buy ultra-low carbon cars by offering £2,000 - £5,000 incentives. It also sets aside £20m to create the infrastructure needed to support the low carbon technology in key cities across the UK.

The initiative highlights the importance of an integrated approach between government and industry outlining the path to be taken through low, lower and ultra-low carbon technology. Demonstrating the need for a portfolio of technology to drive down road transport emissions, the high-level technology roadmap developed by government’s New Automotive Innovation and Growth Team (NAIGT), with the support of the UK motor industry, outlines the move towards the decarbonisation of UK roads over the coming years.

Commenting on the announcement, SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said, “Government has shown its commitment to developing a market for ultra-low carbon vehicles in the UK but we must now ensure that UK design, R&D and manufacturing are at the heart of this growing industry. The motor industry is in the middle of its greatest economic challenge and immediate action to preserve the UK sector in the short-term is essential if we are to stake our claim in the global development of low carbon technology for the future.”