Lisa Brankin, Ford UK Chair: 

Ford welcomes the government’s commitment to support EV and battery manufacturing in the UK, through its £2 billion auto industry pledge and the extension of 100% tax relief on all-important capital investments.  We have already invested over £400 million in two years, with the support of government, to transform Ford facilities in the UK to develop and produce electric vehicle components.

Extending Freeport benefits will assist the Thames Estuary Freeport, with Ford Dagenham a key partner. The Freeport is driving growth for businesses along the Thames corridor and will deliver local regeneration and job creation.

The Government’s planning reforms to prioritise the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure, including EV charging hubs will be an essential lever in ensuring successful EV adoption and transport decarbonisation.

Ford looks forward to working with Government on suitable measures to incentivise EV demand to ensure imminent zero-emission vehicle targets are met.