Nissan Urges UK to Revise EV Regulations

Nissan has called for urgent revisions to the UK's Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEV) Mandate, which requires at least 22% of new car sales to be electric vehicles (EVs) by 2024, warning that the current targets could jeopardize thousands of jobs and billions in investments. The automaker, employing around 6,000 workers in Sunderland, argues that the mandate is outdated and risks undermining the business case for UK car manufacturing amidst declining consumer demand for EVs. Nissan's concerns come alongside similar warnings from other automakers, including Ford, which recently announced significant job cuts. The UK government has engaged in discussions with industry leaders but has shown reluctance to alter the ZEV framework, despite acknowledging the global challenges the automotive sector faces. The push for flexibility in the ZEV mandate, including a two-year monitoring period, stems from the industry's struggle to meet the upcoming targets and increasing competition from cheaper electric models from China. Without urgent government action, Nissan warns that the impact on the British motor industry could be irreversible.