Launched yesterday by Transport Minister Norman Baker, the new strategy, Driving the future today – a strategy for ULEVs in the UK, explains how the Government will collaborate with the motor industry to achieve its vision.

Baker said: “These are exciting times for the motoring industry as ultra-low emission vehicles are the future for road travel. Our vision is that by 2050 almost every car and van will be an ultra-low emission vehicle with the UK at the forefront of their design, development and manufacture. This strategy moves us up a gear in pursuing that vision.

“As well as huge opportunities for the automotive sector, this will bring life-changing benefits to our towns and cities improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions and it will provide energy security by reducing our reliance on foreign oil imports,” added Baker.

The Government recently announced more than £500m of new capital investment between 2015 and 2020 to support the development and adoption of ULEVs in the UK.

To drive the “revolution” and establish the UK as a premier market for ULEVs, the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) plans on launching a call for evidence, asking industry to have a say on how best to invest the £500m.

“We look forward to working with industry on how best to use this money to make the Government’s vision a reality as quickly as possible,” said Baker.

Business Minister Michael Fallon said: “By setting out the level of our financial support up to 2020 we are demonstrating our long-term commitment and giving business the confidence to invest.

“We will keep working in partnership with industry on where our investment can best drive growth as we support the transition to ultra-low emission vehicles,” said Fallon.

Backing the Government’s strategy, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive Mike Hawes said that the UK must be a lead producer and market for low and ultra-low carbon vehicles.

“We’re pleased to see the strategy sets out a longer term approach to the incentives, policies and initiatives which are needed to create confidence for vehicle buyers and manufacturers,” he said.

“We strongly support the collaborative approach with our industry which will help to secure the UK’s position as a leader in the development, production and use of ultra-low emission technologies”.

Nissan Motor GB managing director Jim Wright added: “We are pleased to see that the Government’s strategy sets out clear intentions that will help incentivise zero emission mobility in the UK and open up the EV market to thousands more motorists”.

Leigh Stringer

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