The business minister admitted that the government's plan to increase the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road is not proceeding as intended. On the same day as Vauxhall's owner announced the closure of its Luton factory, Jonathan Reynolds expressed his concern over the success of the plan to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. Reynolds underscored the need for a 'better way forward' while still adhering to the target.
This announcement follows Stellantis's decision to close its van-making plant in Luton, putting 1,100 jobs at risk, as part of a strategy to consolidate UK manufacturing of vans at its Ellesmere Port plant, where it will invest £50 million