In the UK, there’s been a battle going on for some time over a proposed mandate that aims to transition to 100 percent zero-emissions vehicle sales by 2035 or even 2030, which is something that Ford has long supported. This comes as no surprise given the fact that Ford plans to transition its entire European passenger vehicle lineup to EVs by 2030 or sooner, but it’s notable nonetheless, particularly as some politicians have fought to weaken these proposed rules in recent months. In the meantime, the Ford Mustang Mach-E has found the UK market to be a particularly tough one to break into, and The Blue Oval has long pointed to things like a lack of infrastructure as a major barrier to EV adoption in that country. Now, the automaker has come out in support of a proposed UK funding program that aims to fix that issue.
“Ford welcomes the government’s commitment to support EV and battery manufacturing in the UK, through its £2 billion auto industry pledge and the extension of 100 percent tax relief on all-important capital investments,” Ford UK Chair Lisa Brankin said in a statement. “We have already invested over £400 million in two years, with the support of government, to transform Ford facilities in the UK to develop and produce electric vehicle components.”
“Extending Freeport benefits will assist the Thames Estuary Freeport, with Ford Dagenham a key partner. The Freeport is driving growth for businesses along the Thames corridor and will deliver local regeneration and job creation. The Government’s planning reforms to prioritize the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including EV charging hubs will be an essential lever in ensuring successful EV adoption and transport decarbonization. Ford looks forward to working with Government on suitable measures to incentivize EV demand to ensure imminent zero-emission vehicle targets are met.”
This statement comes in response to a proposed £4.5 billion ($5.67 billion USD) in funding for British manufacturing from Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, of which £2 billion ($2.5 billion USD) would be set aside specifically for the automotive sector. That money would be used to boost the manufacturing, supply chain, and development of zero emission vehicles in the UK, as well as help the country remain at the forefront of the global transition to net zero emissions.
We’ll have more on this new funding program soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for 24/7 Ford news coverage.
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