The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) met with Lord Daniel Moylan, the Conservative Shadow Minister for Transport, and the Shadow Business and Trade Minister and MP for West Worcestershire, Harriet Baldwin on Friday. The meetings covered a wide range of issues affecting the UK automotive retail sector including: Electric vehicles: Discussion centred on the limited availability of the electric car grant, with currently only two models qualifying for the full amount, as well as the disincentive caused by the Expensive Car Supplement and the urgent need for improved charging infrastructure. Tax policy: Concerns were raised over the impact of the recent National Insurance rise, which could restrict recruitment across the industry, alongside calls for continued business rates relief and reform of inheritance tax. Apprenticeship Levy: The industry needs a flexible levy as apprenticeships are crucial to the sector, especially with the demand for new EV technicians. Northern Ireland: Pressing issue of Type Approval from the fallout of Brexit and the current Windsor Framework agreement. Sue Robinson, Chief Executive of NFDA, commented: “It was extremely valuable to meet Lord Moylan and Harriet Baldwin to cover the issues affecting the automotive retail sector and the impact on businesses. “We will continue to update politicians on the sector and also grow our parliamentary engagement programme, enabling visits by MPs to dealerships.”