SMMT dismisses retailer role in EV future
06 July 2021
Retailers were omitted from a 12-point policy plan issued by the SMMT last week which aimed to secure a successful transition to electric vehicles for the UK.
Asked by Auto Retail Agenda why there was no mention of the role retailers would play in the EV future, SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes responded: “This is not an area that needs focus because retailers are already doing a great job.”
The comments drew disappointment from industry experts. The NFDA’s director Sue Robinson said: “You wouldn’t sell any EVs if weren’t for retailers.
“Automotive retailers are fundamental in delivering the government’s EV agenda. The NFDA represents over 85% of franchised vehicle retailers in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. NFDA members provide consumers with a tangible opportunity to communicate with product experts; discuss the benefits of switching to EVs; enjoy physical interaction with the new technology and try EVs for themselves, in the real world.”
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