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The Independent Garage Association (IGA) welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement to extend the timeline for the ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035, allowing ‘much-needed time to address the challenges related to electric vehicle infrastructure and the affordability of EVs, particularly in the face of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis’.
Stuart James, IGA Chief Executive, said: “To ensure that the new 2035 is achieved, there needs to be Government support not only for the required infrastructure, but also for upskilling of staff across the independent automotive sector, in order to provide consumers with the confidence that making the change to electric vehicles, is backed up with an accessible network of local, competent garages to meet the changes in their motoring needs.”
Autotech Training commented that despite the Government moving its climate commitments, the aftermarket cannot afford to become complacent, stating: ‘The fact is there are more electric vehicles on the road today than there are people trained to work on them. It is imperative that we continue pushing forward with plans to upskill technicians and educate the wider public on EV’s
– this will not only lead to a stronger automotive sector but ensure that everyone has the right knowledge to make the transition safely and successfully.’
