Dealers call on EV acceleration for next government
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has highlighted the need to continue the acceleration of support for electric vehicles from the incoming British government.
In a survey of its membership, the NFDA discovered that the key challenge for various franchised dealership groups across the UK was to ‘restimulate” the private EV market and plans to meet ZEV mandate targets.
In addition, the association’s members called for more plans on skills and to attract and retain staff.
Dealerships were also asked how much pressure they are receiving from their respective manufacturers to sell electric models and meet the Zero-Emissions Vehicle Mandate target for this year. 39% responded ‘a great deal’ whilst 32% put ‘a moderate amount’.
Sue Robinson from the NFDA said:
“NFDA’s General Election survey has provided insightful perspectives as we edge closer to the General Election. The results illustrate the current challenges dealerships are facing and underscore important areas for the next government to address.
“In the survey, dealerships have highlighted the sector’s persistent skills shortage, restimulating the private electric vehicle market and reforming business rates as fundamental areas which will need addressing from the next government.
“NFDA has consistently raised these issues with the previous government, and they are central themes in NFDA’s General Election manifesto.”
“Once the election has concluded and the dust settles, it is crucial for the next government to work with NFDA and the wider industry to tackle the concerns of dealerships and consumers alike.”
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