Will Andy Burnham Reshape the UK ZEV Mandate? Autotrader Highlights Key EV Questions
Will Andy Burnham reshape the UK ZEV mandate? Autotrader flags doubts and details new Buying Signals tool for dealers.
Autotrader expects the government to press ahead with proposed changes to the Zero‑Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, but the firm says significant questions remain about Andy Burnham’s electric‑vehicle strategy.
Last week, Car Dealer Magazine reported that the Labour party is planning to relax electric‑car targets after Prime Minister Keir Starmer overruled his Net‑Zero minister Ed Miliband and sided with Business Secretary Peter Kyle, who has been lobbying for a softer stance.
The proposed amendment would cut the current ambition of 80 % of new car sales being fully electric by 2030 to 50 %. Starmer’s subsequent resignation as Prime Minister has thrown the timetable of these changes into uncertainty.
Autotrader’s Concerns Over the Upcoming EV Strategy
During Autotrader’s summer media briefing in London, journalists asked how a change in Number 10 – with Andy Burnham likely to become Prime Minister after Starmer’s departure – might affect the ZEV mandate.
Laura Harvey, director of communications & public affairs at Autotrader, responded: “With a new Prime Minister and a new senior team, there will be a lot of change.” She added that Burnham “hasn’t got a track record of any electric‑vehicle policy”.
Harvey highlighted that, while Burnham served as Mayor of Manchester, he never introduced a city‑wide EV strategy. “He toyed with the idea of a low‑emission zone years ago – when London, Bristol and Birmingham were considering similar schemes – but after backlash he said, ‘Fine, I’ll focus on buses instead and I won’t touch cars.’”
The Autotrader spokesperson concluded that, given Burnham’s broader focus on jobs and growth, “it would not be surprising if the mandate changes”.
Autotrader to Expand Buying Signals
In the same briefing Autotrader announced plans to broaden its Buying Signals product. The tool, launched in late 2025, has already enriched more than a million enquiries by helping dealers pinpoint buyers most likely to convert interest into sales.
Future enhancements will deliver deeper insight into buyer demand before an enquiry is even made, using aggregated and anonymised data to give dealers earlier visibility of market interest. This should aid more informed decisions on stocking, pricing and lead management.
These upgrades have been shaped by Autotrader’s Customer Advisory Groups, which were established in April after dealers pushed back on the controversial Deal Builder roll‑out. Karolina Edwards‑Smajda, chief product officer at Autotrader, told the media that the groups are “leading to a much smoother journey” and that the firm remains “very open to being challenged and listening”.
She added: “Buying Signals is a strong example of how we’re working in partnership with retailers to develop tools that reflect real‑world forecourt needs. By combining that feedback with the UK’s most robust automotive dataset and technology, we’re enabling retailers to better understand demand, make more confident decisions and ultimately drive stronger performance in an increasingly competitive market.”
‘About Dealers for Dealers’ – A New YouTube Channel
Autotrader also revealed a dealer‑focused YouTube channel launching on 1 July. Billed as “about dealers for dealers”, the channel will offer weekly market updates, educational content and retailer‑centred features, including a series that showcases the personal stories behind motor‑trade businesses.
Marc Palmer, head of strategy & insights at Autotrader, explained: “There are loads of really positive stories that people should hear about in the car industry that they don’t often hear about. It’s important we use our platform to share those stories and highlight the contributions these businesses make to their local communities.”
The announcement underscores Autotrader’s commitment to supporting dealers not only with data‑driven tools but also through storytelling that reinforces the sector’s value.
Key Takeaways
- The Labour party is considering a reduction of the 2030 ZEV target from 80 % to 50 %.
- Andy Burnham’s lack of a documented EV policy raises uncertainty about the future of the mandate.
- Autotrader’s Buying Signals tool has already processed over one million enquiries and will soon deliver pre‑enquiry demand insights.
- Customer Advisory Groups are shaping product refinements following dealer feedback on the Deal Builder roll‑out.
- A new dealer‑focused YouTube channel aims to amplify positive industry narratives from July 1.
As the political landscape shifts, dealers will be watching closely to see how policy changes and Autotrader’s evolving technology suite impact inventory planning and sales performance.