UK should scrap ‘stupid’ ban on petrol cars to close EU trade deal, says Renault boss
Renault chief executive François Provost has urged the UK to abandon its planned 2030 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars, calling it “stupid”. He argued that changing course could help Britain join the EU’s Made in Europe industrial programme, which is intended to protect clean technology and electric vehicle makers from Chinese competition.
Provost said UK participation would also require matching EU tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles, which Britain has so far resisted. The government has welcomed the prospect of joining the scheme, while saying the European process is ongoing; the UK currently plans to allow hybrid sales until 2035. Provost described the car industry as being at a tipping point and called for stable regulations to help bring down costs for customers.
- Renault’s chief wants the UK to drop its 2030 petrol car sales ban.
- He says EU scheme access may require matching tariffs on Chinese EVs.
- The UK government says discussions on joining the scheme are ongoing.