German auto giant BMW cited post-Brexit manufacturing difficulties as a key reason why the UK’s electric car sales mandate was too demanding, according to documents revealing the industry’s private lobbying efforts. The maker of Mini and Rolls-Royce cars claimed the UK had become a “far more difficult place to produce vehicles” since leaving the EU.
In its submission to the government, BMW argued that the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate was “much more radical and far-reaching” than equivalent rules elsewhere. The company warned that the challenging market environment, compounded by the strict mandate, could have a “detrimental effect” on the thousands of jobs it supports in the UK.
This argument was part of a broader industry push for more lenient rules. Other manufacturers like Toyota and Nissan also warned of unsustainable costs and risks to investment, with JLR complaining about a system that saw UK firms subsidising Chinese competitors. The collective message was clear: the pace of the transition was too fast for the current economic climate.
While the government ultimately relented and softened the targets, campaigners have questioned the validity of the industry’s claims. They argue that the mandate was a necessary driver of change, forcing companies to adapt. Critics suggest that using Brexit and job threats was a strategic move to protect profits at the expense of environmental progress.
