Stark warning for car manufacturers in Europe

WorldCars
20 Jan 2026 • 4:09 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Octopus boss Greg Jackson warned European car manufacturers risk becoming obsolete if they do not fully embrace battery electric vehicles (EVs).
  • His caution follows lobbying by carmakers in Europe, which led to Brussels watering down plans for the transition to electric vehicles.
  • Jackson stressed that European manufacturers must compete with Chinese EVs, which are advanced due to significant investment in research and modern manufacturing.
  • He also highlighted that widespread EV adoption could significantly aid in storing renewable energy, as car batteries can be used to power homes and support the grid.
  • The UK government plans to outlaw new petrol and diesel car sales from 2030, with only zero-emission models permitted from 2035, while the EU's revised plan targets 90 per cent zero-emission cars by 2035.

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