EV infrastructure must improve says NFDA
“With the 2030 and 2035 phase-out dates fast approaching and net-zero around the corner, the UK needs to unlock decades of growth in cleaner road transport. Facilitating investment in the economy and the automotive retail sector should be a priority for Government’s 2023 budget,” commented Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the National Franchised Dealers Association which represents car and commercial retailers across the UK following the NFDA’s budget submission.
On Wednesday 1 February, the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) submitted its budget proposal to the Chancellor of Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt, to take into consideration in preparation for the HM Treasury’s Spring Budget 2023, scheduled for 15 March.
The submission covered an array of areas affecting the automotive industry. Three key factors from NFDA’s submission urged the Government to consider:
Incentivising and prioritising investment and growth in the UK automotive sector.
Supporting the electrification of the vehicle parc through robust price incentives, a fair taxation system and increased funding for the EV charging network.
Rethinking the apprenticeship levy and how best government can address the skills shortage in the industry.
Sue Robison concluded: “With challenging times ahead for the industry, Government must provide adequate support to promote green growth and ensure that its own ambitious transport emission goals are met and that is what we have clearly explained and prompted within our budget proposal.”
“NFDA urges the Treasury to back the automotive sector’s efforts to achieving Government’s Net-Zero targets, by ensuring the funding is there in the lead up to the respective emission deadlines for private road transport.”