Petrol and diesel ban a challenge and opportunity for Midlands car industry
A challenge but an opportunity. That’s how political and business leaders in the Midlands today described a move to ban new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040.
Tens of thousands of jobs in the region are linked to the automotive industry – from engineers with Jaguar Land Rover, to independent Black Country manufacturers who make parts for combustion engines.
Fears over what the move means for the future of JLR’s £1 billion engine plant on the outskirts of Wolverhampton, which employs 1,400 workers, have been countered by hopes the factory can become a ‘world leader’ for electric car technology.
South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson, whose constituency includes the JLR engine plant at the i54 business park, said: “JLR manufacture the most efficient and clean diesel and petrol engines in the world here in South Staffordshire.
“But everyone recognises that fossil fuels are in decline. The combustion engine has served us brilliant but locally we have to make sure that JLR is supported to develop the powertrains of the future.
“I want to see JLR at i54 become a world leader in this new technology. It will be a huge challenge because thousands of jobs depend on the automotive sector, not just in my constituency but the whole country.
“We want to act now, otherwise in 15 or 20 years time we will be behind the trend.”
Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “In the longer term, this challenge presents our region with a unique opportunity.
“The emergence of the West Midlands as the UK’s leader for the development and manufacture of autonomous and electric vehicles means we are well placed to capitalise on this market shift and long before 2040.
“We are determined to win the investment necessary to make a success of this opportunity.”
E&S COMMENT: Ban is a knee-jerk reaction to pollution
Addressing air pollution levels in the region, he added: “Every year there are 1,500 premature deaths in the West Midlands caused by air pollution.
“This is a huge health issue for people in the region, increasing the risk of lung disease and heart disease. I was also clear that we needed government direction and that is why I welcome the Air Quality Plan.
“We will now look in more detail at the opportunities and work with local authorities in the West Midlands to decide how we should act. This will have to include plans for the specific routes identified by the Secretary of State.
“The announcement makes it even more important that across the West Midlands we continue to invest in rail, Metro, buses and cycling to give a clean, reliable alternative to cars.”
Wolverhampton council leader Councillor Roger Lawrence – the region’s transport supremo – said much work was to be done ahead of 2040, but the target was achievable.
He said: “We have 23 years and I think it gives us time to adapt the infrastructure to cope with the change.
“And if you look at what has happened to technology over past 20 years, the cars may be very different again by 2040.”
A pilot scheme planned for electric driverless vehicles will launch in Wolverhampton next year. But Councillor Lawrence accepted more work was needed in terms of providing more electronic charging points. He said: “We already have an increasing number of hybrid vehicles, we have an electric automated vehicle pilot, but we are a little bit behind on electric pumps.
“There will have to be significant investment – with help from the Government essential.”
On JLR at i54, he said: “They have invested so much in the buildings there, I guess they will complete the transition to new technology at the site.”
Chris Kelly, chairman of West Bromwich-based Keltruck Limited – the region’s biggest truck dealer – said: “At Keltruck Scania we will continue to support our customers to the best of our ability with respect to the operating environment they are working within.
“Scania is already working to drive the shift towards more sustainable transport solutions (gas, HVO biodiesel, electrification, the use of telematics, etc).”
Road Haulage Association chief executive Richard Burnett said: “We need to understand the detail before we can make a comprehensive comment. However, we are concerned that once again, the devil will be in the detail.
“The industry is already taking action through the rapid uptake of ultra-low emission Euro VI lorries.
“However, we have concerns over DEFRA’s original clean air zone proposals as they failed to consider the negative impact of a premature introduction of restrictions on pre-2014 lorries.”
Dr Frederik Dahlmann, energy expert at Warwick Business School, said: “This is an important step in the right direction to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions. At a time when policy certainty is a rare commodity, setting a clear long-term target provides industry with an indication over the direction of travel for how it should plan ahead.
“It also gives car buyers an incentive to consider the different types of engine options available in light of the long-term development of the market. With the rapid development and deployment of electric vehicle models, there is a good chance that apart from buyers of ‘collectors’ items’ and ‘classic cars’, demand will have largely shifted well before the deadline.”
