The self-destructive petrol car ban has incentivised Vauxhall to destroy a productive car factory with potential to manufacture EVs instead of investing in green technology, says Andy Mayer

The decision by Vauxhall owner Stellantis to close their Luton van production plant, risking 1,100 jobs, only nine months after announcing expansion plans that included a new electric model (EV) is a dire commentary on the state of the UK’s net zero policies. Manufacturers are often shy about their reasons for these decisions, but not this time. Vauxhall have directly cited the UK’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, and the new Labour government’s tone-deaf response to long-standing concerns.

The ZEV is a policy introduced in 2020 by the Conservatives that requires car and van manufacturers, from 2024 to sell a rising share of their output as qualifying EVs from 22 per cent to 80 per cent by 2030, or face fines of £15,000 per vehicle. This was to support a proposed ban on new petrol and diesel – or........

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