The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) recently welcomed Lisa Smart, Liberal Democrat MP for Hazel Grove, to a local dealership as part of its ongoing Parliamentary Engagement programme. The visit provided an important platform to discuss the challenges facing the UK automotive sector as it transitions towards zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). During the meeting, NFDA representatives outlined several pressing concerns surrounding the UK’s ZEV Mandate and its potential impact on manufacturers, retailers, and consumers. A key topic of discussion was the evolving international policy landscape. The European Union—currently the UK’s largest automotive export market—has shifted its approach from a proposed complete phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035 to a more flexible target of a 90% reduction in emissions. Meanwhile, in the United States, the UK’s second-largest export market, some policies designed to accelerate electric vehicle adoption have recently been rolled back. These developments highlight the growing divergence in global regulatory approaches and raise questions about the UK maintaining alignment with its major trading partners. NFDA also raised concerns that the UK’s ZEV Mandate could unintentionally lead manufacturers to restrict the supply of hybrid and internal combustion engine vehicles to the domestic market in order to meet regulatory targets. Such constraints could limit consumer choice and create additional pressure on dealerships already navigating a complex transition. The potential consequences for retailers are significant. Reduced vehicle supply could impact dealership profitability and, in turn, threaten local employment and economic stability in communities across the UK. Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of the NFDA, emphasised the importance of a balanced and globally aligned policy approach. She noted that while the transition to zero-emission vehicles is essential, it must be managed in a way that supports businesses, protects jobs, and reflects real-world market conditions. The NFDA continues to call on the UK Government to review the ZEV Mandate to ensure it enables a sustainable and competitive transition for the entire automotive sector.