Toyota has called for the UK’s 2030 zero-emission car sales target to be cut to a maximum of 50%, alongside closer alignment with EU rules.
The manufacturer wants the Government’s review of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate to deliver lower targets, longer compliance periods and clearer rules through to 2035.
Its proposals would reduce the headline 2030 requirement from 80% to no more than 50% for cars, and from 70% to 40% for vans, with additional compliance flexibilities. The existing mandate sets annual targets for the proportion of manufacturers’ new vehicle registrations that must be zero-emission.
Toyota’s intervention echoes pressure from Volkswagen and Renault for European policy to better reflect market demand and support automotive manufacturing.
Volkswagen has proposed allowing manufacturers to count overachievement against EU emissions requirements in 2028 and 2029 towards compliance between 2030 and 2032.
Renault chief executive François Provost warned this week that, without flexibility around 2030, he could have to propose cutting European production by 300,000 vehicles.
The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has also urged the Government to set a target of between 50-60% for zero-emission cars by 2030, arguing that the ZEV mandate should better reflect customer demand.
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Longer compliance periods
Toyota wants the UK to adopt a five-year approach to compliance similar to the framework it is seeking in Europe, and extend practical compliance options through to 2035.
It is also calling for the Government to define the 2035 framework now and complete the mandate revision in 2027, arguing that manufacturers and suppliers need greater certainty to make investment decisions.
The Government’s consultation on the ZEV mandate is open until October 23 and covers annual targets, existing compliance flexibilities and alternative policy approaches.
Toyota also wants renewable fuels recognised as a route to decarbonisation, with the UK considering an equivalent to its proposed EU category for vehicles running exclusively on eligible renewable fuels.
Across Europe, Toyota is seeking a five-year emissions compliance window covering 2028 to 2032, rather than requiring manufacturers to meet each year’s target separately.
It supports a 90% CO₂ reduction target for cars in 2035, with renewable fuels and low-carbon steel contributing towards closing the remaining gap.
For vans, it proposes separate CO₂ reduction targets of 35% in 2030 and 80% in 2035, supported by five-year averaging to reflect operators’ requirements for range, payload and uptime.
‘Made with Europe’ approach
Alongside changes to emissions rules, Toyota is calling for a “Made with Europe” approach to industrial policy that recognises established manufacturing and trading partners, including the UK, Türkiye and Japan.
The company argues that eligibility for incentives, public procurement and corporate fleet measures should recognise engineering, research and development, assembly and skilled employment, alongside the origin of components.
Yoshihiro Nakata, president and chief executive of Toyota Motor Europe, said: “Toyota is not a guest in Europe.
“We are a European manufacturer, and we want Europe’s automotive industry to succeed.”
Toyota wants European-content requirements phased in towards 70% after three years, with substantive automotive requirements introduced no earlier than 2030 to reflect vehicle development and supply-chain investment cycles.
It also proposes reducing the overall vehicle sales threshold for compliance from the proposed 85% to 70%, and temporarily excluding fuel-cell vehicles from localisation requirements while the market and supply chain develop.
Volkswagen, Renault and Stellantis have also jointly backed European manufacturing requirements, calling for a framework that strengthens competitiveness, supports supply chains and attracts investment.
Matt Harrison, chief corporate officer of Toyota Motor Europe, said: “Isolation makes us weaker.
“Europe has the capabilities, the people and the trusted partners to lead, but legislation must reflect the pace at which customers are able and willing to change.”