The Labour Party Conference takes place in Liverpool this weekend, where National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) will outline the priorities of franchised car and commercial vehicle retailers to MPs and policymakers.
NFDA Chief Executive Sue Robinson will use the opportunity to engage on key issues facing automotive retail, including the call for ZEV Mandate targets to reflect consumer demand and market conditions, while raising concerns over potential new obstacles affecting vehicles traded between the UK and EU. This covers the EU’s proposed ‘Made in Europe’ measures and tighter rules on where electric vehicles and their batteries are produced, which could increase costs and affect vehicle choice. The agenda will also include careers and new talent entering the sector, along with eVED and how pay-per-mile tax can create an unnecessary barrier that might discourage consumers from switching to electric vehicles.
Sue Robinson said:
‘With several important decisions ahead for automotive, it is vital that the voice of retailers is heard.
‘Our members are speaking to customers and investing in their businesses every day; the Labour Conference gives us an important opportunity to bring that experience directly into conversations with Government and policymakers.’
NFDA will continue working with Government to ensure the needs of retailers and their customers are represented as automotive policy develops.