7:46 am, December 19, 2025
The government is ‘delusional’ over new electric car targets and risks leaving the UK isolated from the rest of the global car industry, the boss of one of the country’s biggest car dealership groups has said.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4, Robert Forrester, CEO of listed dealer group Vertu Motors, fired yet more shots at the government over its ZEV Mandate.
‘The UK is now completely out of lockstep with the rest of the world in terms of EV policy,’ he said. ‘We represent just 2% of an integrated global automotive market, yet we’ve set the tightest targets anywhere. The pressure this puts on the sector is frankly delusional.’
Forrester explained he feared manufacturers will ration new petrol, diesel and even hybrid cars to meet the strict EV sales quotas, reducing consumer choice.
‘They’re not going to do things differently for a country that accounts for two per cent of sales, he warned. ‘Manufacturers will make increasing losses to push EVs faster than the market will accept, or they’ll simply ration petrol, diesel and hybrid cars to avoid fines.’
Forrester added: ‘We’re heading towards a world where government policy decides what people can buy, not customers.
‘With massive fines, a looming pay-per-mile scheme, and constant regulatory pressure, the UK doesn’t look like an attractive place for manufacturers to invest.’
The dealer group boss did not deny that electric cars are the future for consumers, but was critical of the government’s timeline for change.
Forrester explained: ‘There is no doubt we’ll all predominantly be driving electric vehicles in 10 to 15 years’ time. The technology is excellent and highly convenient, especially for people who can charge at home.
‘This is a question of speed, not whether it will happen. The targets are unrealistic and are putting impossible pressure on manufacturers, retailers and the wider supply chain.’
In a later LinkedIn post, Forrester revealed that Vertu Motors has written to the government requesting ‘urgent’ changes to ZEV Mandate in early 2026.
Forrester’s comments on BBC radio are the latest in numerous statements he has made over the past few months criticising the government’s new electric car plans.
In November, he told LBC radio the government’s 33% EV sales target is ‘wholly unrealistic’. But he has shown support for the Electric Car Grant (ECG), saying in July – when the ECG launch plans were underway – that it ‘couldn’t come at a better time’.
