Wooden welcomed the announcement made by Sir Kier Starmer on Monday (7th April), which included a confirmation of the manifesto pledge to reinstate the ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to 2030, and to permit the sale of all hybrid vehicles and ICE vans until 2035.
However, the LKQ CEO has also called for further support to help the aftermarket to navigate the transition and to ensure that repair services remain affordable and accessible for consumers, while maintaining healthy competition between service providers.
Kevan Wooden, CEO of LKQ UK and Ireland, said: “It’s encouraging to see the government reacting quickly to help shore-up confidence in the automotive sector, which faces fresh uncertainty from US tariff reform. And while this week’s intervention is understandably made in the interests of vehicle manufacturers, there are welcome outcomes for the aftermarket too.
“Further clarity over the 2030 ICE vehicle ban gives the independent aftermarket the confidence to invest in the skills and equipment needed to service and repair electric vehicles. Meanwhile, applying the 2035 deadline to all hybrid vehicles and for vans gives certainty to the aftermarket that revenue opportunities relating to ICE aspects of hybrid servicing will remain for longer.
“A stable and predictable policy environment is central to the wider automotive industry’s success. The government rightly brought forward these plans to support vehicle manufacturers at a time of uncertainty. But there remains an opportunity for the government to provide greater clarity on EV policy for the aftermarket too: a crucial part to support the future success of the UK’s zero emission car parc.
“Policy that grows EV servicing skills, and that prevents vehicle manufacturers from blocking repair opportunities for the independent sector, will be key to providing greater stability and predictability.”
