Ford of Britain chairman, Graham Hoare, has called for a joined-up, clear and consistent long-term, government-partnered strategy to help meet the 2030s timeline for phasing out the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles.

Speaking at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders International Automotive Summit online event, Hoare said: “We need government to partner with us and have joint equity in formulating and delivering a comprehensive and consistent strategy that encompasses all stakeholders and that provides a path to the future – a path that also encompasses a range of technologies, including mild hybrids, hybrids and plug-in hybrids on the route to zero emissions.”

Citing the example of Norway, which has provided consumers with consistent zero emissions incentives over the past 30 years and which has a recharging infrastructure with a density six times per person higher than that in the UK today.

“We’ve seen recently at Ford what can be achieved when different stakeholders come together with a common purpose, namely working in partnership with a wide range of different partners in the VentilatorChallengeUK building ventilators for the NHS. We need a similar spirit of endeavour if we are to meet the electrification challenge – not a ‘can do’ attitude but a ‘will do’ determination. But time is short, and we must start today because tomorrow will be too late,” Hoare added.

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