Why the UK government should look to the aftermarket for freedom of choice.

We’re entering the beginning of the end, at least of the first phase. In the UK the government has begun to back away from a total ban on the sale of new petrol-powered cars by allowing hybrid vehicles to remain on the market until 2035.

Throughout Europe, governments are questioning the ban on ICE vehicles, with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni saying the European Union’s 2035 target to end the sale of CO2 emitting cars shows a “self-destructive” position on industrial and environmental issues.

Vehicle manufacturers are scaling back plans on EV also, amid an industry slowdown.

In December 2023, the USA house of representatives passed the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act. The legislation prohibits the Biden administration from implementing aggressive emission standards for light and medium-duty vehicles that limit consumer choice by requiring over two-thirds of all new vehicles to be electric by 2032. The CARS Act would also prevent the implementation of future vehicle emissions regulations that would mandate certain technologies or limit the availability of vehicles based on engine type.

Those in the aftermarket have long requested clarity on the matter and argued that a more pragmatic approach is needed on the overall net zero ambition.

The aftermarket fights for its right to repair vehicles and offer motorists choice, choice on where they go for service and repair to meet their mobility needs. It would appear we are now more aligned with the vehicle manufacturers when we campaign for the right of consumers to choose what car they drive to best suit their lifestyle.

Perhaps, that’s where we are ultimately headed. Rather than an over-reliance on what vehicle type, there will be a continued exploration of ICE technology and development of other powertrains, all in the pursuit of a consumer’s mobility needs.

There are no averages here. Everyone is different, with different needs and requirements. The aftermarket excels at offering a choice to support everyone, perhaps governments around the world should note our approach.