Skip advert
Advertisement
Opinion

"The Government must give the car industry more support this year" - 2023 wish list

Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler believes that the government needs to start spending in order to make the UK more attractive to carmakers and prospective EV owners

Opinion - government support

Cars and the automotive industry are important to us all – whether we’re car lovers or one of the circa-800,000 people who work in the business. So it would be nice if, in 2023, the Government showed a bit of support for what is a vital part of the UK economy – from building cars to just getting around.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Car makers and suppliers need to be confident that the UK is a great place to build a business – and that frequently means financial support to do so, just as it does in other countries that often make themselves more attractive to investors. The sad plight of battery maker Britishvolt, teetering on the edge of extinction, is a case in point.

We also have a government that seems to be telling us all to drive electric cars, then turning its back on us. Financial buying incentives are all but gone, while the crucial EV charging infrastructure is fast becoming the biggest barrier to ownership.

If this was a mid-term school report on this government from car owners and car makers, it would read: “It’s time to step up and make a difference or you’ll end up being a sad failure.”

Now read about Britain's car industry successes...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Steve Fowler has previously edited Auto Express, Carbuyer, DrivingElectric, What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment
Xiaomi YU7 - front cornering

New Xiaomi YU7 2025 review: a world-beating new EV to worry the establishment

BMW or Mercedes would do anything to keep the new Xiaomi YU7 from sale in the UK and Europe, and this is why
Road tests
14 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail
Auto Express creative director Darren Wilson charging the Lexus RZ

The EV grant is back: Government's new £3,750 electric car discount in detail

The government has set out its plan to help reduce the cost of affordable EVs by introducing a new £3,750 grant for new EVs sold
News
15 Jul 2025