The NFDA has received a response from Keir Mather MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State and Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, following our letter on the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate. Mather acknowledged the vital role franchised retailers play in the UK’s transition to ZEVs and highlighted the UK’s growing leadership in electric vehicle sales, with EVs now accounting for more than one in four new cars sold. He reaffirmed Government commitment to the headline targets of the ZEV Mandate and stressed the importance of policy stability and regulatory certainty in supporting industry investment and consumer confidence. Mather also outlined the measures already in place to support the sector, including the £2 billion Electric Car Grant to 2030, increased Vehicle Excise Duty thresholds for EVs, £200 million in additional funding for charging infrastructure, planning reforms and business rates relief for chargepoints. Over the next decade, the Government has committed a total of £7.5 billion to back industry and the public in the EV transition. Looking ahead, the Government plans to engage with stakeholders in 2026 ahead of the 2027 review of the ZEV Mandate and NFDA members are encouraged to participate. Sue Robinson, NFDA Chief Executive, said: “We welcome the Minister’s recognition of the challenges and opportunities facing our sector. While we support the UK’s net zero ambitions, it is vital that the ZEV Mandate remains achievable and that retailers and consumers are given the right support. We will continue to engage constructively to ensure the transition is fair and sustainable.”