Brief
Renault CEO calls UK petrol‑car ban ‘stupid’ amid EU trade talks
Renault CEO François Provost says the UK must drop its petrol‑car ban to join the EU's industrial programme and align on Chinese‑car tariffs.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Renault Group chief executive François Provost told The Sunday Times that the United Kingdom should abandon its planned ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030 if it wants to be included in the European Union’s Made in Europe industrial programme. Provost described the ban as “stupid”, arguing there is no sensible date for a 100 % electric fleet and that the UK must align with EU tariff policy on Chinese‑made vehicles to gain access to the scheme.
Provost said the UK’s automotive sector is at a “tipping point” and that staying in the EU’s automotive ecosystem is “common sense” for business. He added that while electrification should continue, regulations need to be frozen to keep vehicle prices affordable for customers.
Downing Street welcomed the prospect of the UK joining the EU’s Industrial Accelerator Act, calling it “good news for the British automotive industry and the jobs and investment it supports”. A Number 10 spokesperson said the government would welcome the objective of inclusion, though a European process remains to be completed.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has warned that the Made in Europe scheme could pose “risks to British manufacturing” and pledged to raise concerns about its impact on UK car firms. Trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds has previously said any decisions on tariffs will be based on UK interests, but Provost insists the UK must fall in line with the EU’s proposed 35 % tariff on Chinese‑made cars.
The discussion comes as France and Germany have reportedly put forward a proposal to allow the UK’s automotive industry into the protectionist scheme, formally known as the Industrial Accelerator Act.
Key facts
- Renault CEO François Provost called the UK’s 2030 petrol‑car ban “stupid”. (independent.co.uk)
- Provost said the UK must align with EU tariffs on Chinese‑made cars to join the Made in Europe scheme. (independent.co.uk)
- Downing Street said inclusion in the Industrial Accelerator Act would be good news for the British automotive industry. (independent.co.uk)
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham warned the scheme could risk British manufacturing. (independent.co.uk)
- France and Germany have reportedly proposed allowing the UK’s car industry into the EU protectionist scheme. (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “UK should scrap ‘stupid’ ban on petrol cars to close EU trade deal, says Renault boss”
