Ford calls for incentives to buy electric cars as backlash grows
Ford UK has called on the government to introduce incentives to encourage drivers to buy electric vehicles (EVs) as an industry backlash grows over sales targets.
Lisa Brankin, Ford UK's chair and managing director, told the BBC that without demand a government mandate to produce and sell more EVs "just doesn't work".
The comments add to a growing row between the government and the industry over the phase-out of sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
On Tuesday, Stellantis, the owner of Vauxhall, said it would close a plant in Luton, putting 1,100 jobs at risk, partly due to the EV targets.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told the House of Commons on Wednesday that Stellantis's decision was "a dark day for Luton".
It joins Ford in axing UK jobs. Last week, Ford announced it will cut 800 jobs in the UK over the next three years, partly due to the EV target.
