Classic British car brand forced to put 'all future plans on hold' because of electric vehicle targets

Lister Motor Company has produced race and road-going versions of the historic Knobbly and Costin continuation cars over the last 10 years and is a brand favourite among petrolheads.

However, in an announcement on social media, it has been forced to delay future opportunities for the brand as a result of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.

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The Government policy outlines that manufacturers must have at least 28 per cent of sales come from zero emission vehicles by the end of 2025.

This target will continue to grow over the coming years, before reaching 80 per cent of new cars in 2030 and 100 per cent by 2035, when petrol and diesel car sales will be banned.

Lister Motor Company noted that itself and other small British car manufacturers like Morgan, Caterham and Ginetta have been exempt from emissions demands because they produce fewer than 1,000 vehicles a year.

However, the brand warned that the UK Government has not yet stated whether the same exemption will continue for the current ZEV mandate ruling.

A statement from Lawrence Whittaker, CEO of Lister Motor Company, said: "As it stands, with no clarity on the future rules for IVA or SVA Type Approval cars, we have taken the incredibly difficult and heart-breaking decision to put all future plans on hold.

"Financially, Lister is in a very strong position with zero borrowings outside our group of companies, but unlike larger manufacturers, we simply cannot afford to gamble on the future of our business.

"As a profitable tax-paying UK car manufacturer, we request an urgent update to the legislation, so we know how to plan for the next five years. All manufacturing needs time to change, cars more than most, and at the moment we are sadly in stalemate."

A DfT spokesperson told GB News: "This is inaccurate. Manufacturers selling fewer than 1,000 cars are exempt from the zero emission vehicle and CO2 targets up to 2030 - as has always been the case.

"We want to support the sector through the transition to electric, as we continue to deliver our growth mission. We are therefore currently consulting on requirements between 2030 and 2035, including details for smaller manufacturers, and will confirm details in due course."

Lister Motor Company said it had planned to create a brand-new car for the road this year, which would be the first new model in over 32 years.

In the brand's 71st year in business, the money raised from sales of a new vehicle would "not only secure Lister's future, but would create many new jobs, not only at our head office and factory, but with many suppliers throughout the UK".

Many in the replies to the social media post were upset at the decision but accepted that it was a necessary step for the brand.

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In response to one comment, Lister Cars said it "needed answers" regarding whether sustainable or synthetic fuels would satisfy the terms of the ZEV mandate.

In 2020, Lister unveiled the Stealth, which was described as Britain's fastest and most powerful SUV, although it was limited to just 100 units.

The luxury SUV came equipped with a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, a top speed of 195mph and could accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.6 seconds.

Lister offered client consultation appointments and claimed it could provide an unlimited amount of bespoke options for prospective buyers.