Major automakers and component suppliers have mounted a lobbying campaign against the UK’s planned 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales, according to documents obtained through freedom of information requests. BMW, Ford, Nissan, Toyota, and Bosch jointly wrote to government ministers in April proposing an “open technology approach” that would permit sales of conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and other fuel-powered technologies beyond 2035.
The carmakers argued that such a multi-pathway strategy would align the UK with the European Union, which modified its own electric vehicle targets in December to allow 90 percent electric car sales after 2035 rather than the previously mandated 100 percent. They contended that the current zero emission vehicle mandate trajectory does not reflect actual consumer demand patterns. BMW specifically cited concerns that 2026 and beyond sales requirements do not align with existing market appetite, while Toyota stated the company views a flexible approach as necessary to address consumer mobility needs and emission reduction goals.
A UK government spokesperson stated that the 2035 ban remains non-negotiable, though the government has previously introduced flexibilities into electric vehicle targets through 2030 and is currently considering modifications to the zero emission vehicle mandate following industry pressure. The UK Climate Change Committee has characterized the 2035 ban as a cornerstone policy for reducing national carbon emissions, identifying the transition to electric vehicles as the single most significant contributor to cutting UK carbon pollution over the next decade.
Climate advocacy groups have criticized the lobbying effort, with representatives arguing that reversing the transition to pure electric vehicles during a climate emergency would constitute a historic policy failure. Industry observers have raised concerns that weakening transition requirements could disadvantage UK manufacturers competitively as Chinese automakers expand electric vehicle production in European markets. Transport policy analysts have framed continued reliance on internal combustion engines as economically counterproductive, warning that slower adoption of electrification could ultimately jeopardize UK automotive sector employment and community viability.
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