Two-thirds (66%) of car dealers believe MPs’ proposals to ban petrol and diesel cars by 2032 will be too early, new research finds.

87% of dealers said there weren’t enough AFVs to replace petrol and diesel cars by 2032

Carried out following calls from MPs on the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee last autumn for the Government’s current 2040 targets for zero-emission cars to be brought forward to 2032, Close Brothers Motor Finance’s latest Dealer Satisfaction Survey shows the vast majority (86%) of the 200-plus dealers surveyed believed the ban would cause another layer of confusion to the market; 59% believe it would make car buyers more reluctant to purchase a vehicle.

The research found dealers also believe the move would add to the existing WLTP confusion and that 59% again believe that the ban would have a negative impact on their business.

However, the survey did unearth some mixed views on alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs). A total of 39% of dealers said they currently had no plans to stock AFVs any time soon, instead solely relying on petrol and diesel cars. But roughly a third again (36%) said the ban would not make much of a difference as more consumers were turning to AFVs as it was. Alongside this, a quarter (24%) said they were already stocking AFVs in their showrooms, while an additional 37% were considering stocking AFVs in the near future. Fuelled by demand, 20% of dealers said their customers had expressed an interest in purchasing an AFV.

Commenting on the findings, Sean Kemple, director of sales at Close Brothers Motor Finance, said: “Britain’s dealers are already coping with a range of issues – from Brexit, confusion over fuel types, not to mention a global slowdown. This latest announcement will add to the already considerable pressure that they are under, particularly those who deal with new cars.

“There’s no doubt that developments in technology mean that we are already on the verge of cars with an acceptable range for most drivers. This will only improve in the years to come. So, in theory at least, the cars themselves will be ready for the Government’s proposed date. What is less certain is the infrastructure available to support, customer confusion, and cost to entry.

“The research shows that out of this confusion, many dealers are seizing the opportunities where they see them. A quarter have already predicted the change of wind towards alternative fuel vehicles, with another third weighing up the options. It is up to Government to listen to and work with the industry to ensure that no one is left behind.”

Dealers’ attitudes toward Government’s announcement to ban petrol and diesel cars as early as 2032

Dealers’ attitudes towards alternatively fuelled vehicles