Calls for strategy to boost electric vehicle sales

Car manufacturers on Merseyside and in Cheshire have been debating the issue

Car industry leaders across Merseyside and Cheshire have said they want to see the introduction of a new strategy to help speed up the transition to electric vehicles.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has been holding a forum in Liverpool to look at the issue.

Lee Meyers, plant manager for Ford in Halewood, said half the site was being updated to make electric vehicles but more customer incentives were needed.

Trevor Leeks, operations director at Jaguar Land Rover in Merseyside, said the infrastructure for charging needed to be improved.

'Single voice'

The SMMT represents more than 800 automotive companies in the UK across production, sales and supply chain.

The event at the Rum Warehouse saw representatives from companies including Bentley Motors, Leyland Trucks, Vauxhall and Stellantis come together to discuss the issue.

SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said bringing car makers together would create a "single voice" on the needs of the industry in the region.

"Global manufacturers have invested massive sums, transforming their plants to electric vehicle production, which is testament to the competitiveness and productivity of the North West," he said.

"No region can rest on its laurels in such a globally competitive environment, however, which is why this event will focus on the measures needed to attract further investment and create new business opportunities.”

Industry leaders said electric vehicle infrastructure needed to be improved

Mr Meyers said Ford "will supply whatever the customer wants" but said "joined up thinking in terms of policies and some certainty around that would definitely be beneficial".

Mr Leeks said the infrastructure for charging vehicles needed to be improved if more people were to be convinced to go electric.

Jaguar, which employs 3,500 at Halewood, said it had committed to spending £15 billion globally on the switch to electric.

"There is a lot more that we can do with charging and infrastructure," he said.

"I don't think that you will find anyone that says its adequate. It does need to improve somewhat."