“THE DIESEL COMEBACK NO ONE IN WESTMINSTER SAW COMING” A leading automaker is betting big on diesel once again, saying it delivers what everyday UK motorists actually need. Green groups are outraged, while critics warn the push for net zero may be colliding with economic reality.
Ed Miliband has pushed the UK’s ZEV Mandate scheme, but now manufacturers are turning their backs on EVs.
One of the UK’s biggest car brands has confirmed plans to return to diesel vehicles in a massive blow to Ed Miliband’s EV dream. Stellantis, the parent company of British marque Vauxhall, explained they would resume the sale of diesel cars in Britain, with plans to even “increase” their offering after previously committing to electric cars.
Under the plans, Stellantis will bring previously discontinued diesel models back into production in Europe. Meanwhile, they are set to sell existing diesel models for much longer as part of a new drive to focus purely on generating profits.
Stellantis could be bringing previously axed diesel models back to the roads (Image: Getty)
Stellantis explained: “We have decided to keep diesel engines in our product portfolio and – in some cases – to increase our powertrain offer. At Stellantis, we want to generate growth, that’s why we are focused on customer demand.”
Stellantis is said to have reintroduced diesel models of some of its most popular models, such as the Peugeot 308, Opel Astra, Citroen Berlingo and the DS 4 across Europe. The news comes in direct contrast to Labour’s position, with the Government pressing ahead with Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate targets and its 2030 petrol and diesel car ban.
ZEV Mandate rules require brands to slowly reduce the number of petrol and diesel cars being built (Image: Getty)
Although this only affects cars built in the UK, Stellantis operates several manufacturing plants in Britain including their Ellesmere Port and Luton plants. These bases build vehicles from top Stellantis brands including Vauxhall, Peugeot and Citroen.
The ZEV Mandate forces firms to build an increasing number of electric cars every year, until the sale of almost all brand new fully combustion petrol and diesel models are completely banned.
