Petrol and diesel drivers warned over big update coming in February

Petrol and diesel drivers warned over big update coming in February
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Petrol and diesel drivers have been warned over a big update coming in February 2025. The Labour Party government's consultation on the transition to zero emission vehicles will close on February 18, 2025, it has been confirmed.

Wayne Griffiths, CEO of Seat and Cupra, noted the "major challenges" faced across the industry last year but praised the "positive" delivery figures. He added: "The upcoming months will test our determination as our transformation progresses.

"We are fully committed to electrification. However, we need urgent action from Government and stakeholders to secure an electric future, because our industry is at stake." Labour remains committed to the 2030 deadline, with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander telling Parliament that "no new petrol or diesel cars will be sold" after the end of the decade.

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She also clarified that all new cars and vans will need to be 100 per cent zero emission by 2035, leaving open the possibility for hybrid sales after 2030. Marcus Gossen, managing director of Seat Cupra UK, said: "2024 has been a groundbreaking year for Cupra and Seat UK, setting new records and further enhancing our market presence with a range of exciting new models.

"With Cupra's continued growth and Seat's solid performance, we are looking forward to maintaining this momentum into 2025, particularly with the launch of the Cupra Tavascan and Terramar in the UK." The consultation seeks views on delivering the commitment to end the sale of new cars powered solely by internal combustion engines by 2030 and supporting the UK’s transition to zero emissions vehicles.

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The consultation is split into 2 parts. Part 1 is about phasing out sales of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 and supporting zero emission transition. It is conducted solely by the UK government and seeks views on options to end the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines from 2030, potential requirements for new non-zero emission vans to be sold from 2030 to 2035, consideration of approach for small volume manufacturers and demand measures to support the uptake of zero emission vehicles.

The second part of this consultation is about the the ZEV Mandate, delivered through the vehicle emissions trading schemes (VETs).