Major car brand to discontinue petrol and diesel cars next year to move towards new electric vehicles
The brand said it would work to meet all UK and EU electric vehicle regulations
PA
A major car brand has made the decision to discontinue its existing range of petrol and diesel vehicles as it strives to become an all-electric brand.
Japanese manufacturer Suzuki is set to introduce its first fully electric vehicle later next year, followed by a range of new models in the lead-up to the end of the decade.
Suzuki and its dealership network said it would fully comply with all UK and European Union legislation to phase out polluting internal combustion engine vehicles and launch new electric cars.
By early 2025, the brand will discontinue popular models from its offering. This will include the Swift Sport, Jimny LCV, Ignis and Swace.
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Suzuki is expected to launch its first electric vehicle next year
SUZUKI
Depending on the volume of dealer stock, and whether it depletes at a quicker rate, Suzuki could discontinue those models sooner than the 2025 deadline.
Alongside its growing number of electric models, Suzuki's hybrid model line-up will comprise of the Swift, Vitara, S-Cross and Across PHEV.
Dale Wyatt, GB director at Suzuki, said the future of the brand was now electric, with plans to further develop these technologies.
He said: "The departure of these models will make room for EVs and enable us to compete during a period where our sales ratio of hybrid versus EV products will drive our business.
"We’re exiting the ICE era with a focus on SUVs and new Swift, then starting in the second half of 2025 we’ll begin a period of EV growth."
The brand also clarified that Suzuki would achieve similar sales volumes in the present calendar year as it had last year in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
For any new customers of a Suzuki vehicle, the brand will offer drivers a seven-year warranty free of charge with guarantees at its dealer network.
Suzuki showed off its first electric vehicle in October last year with the new eVX SUV, which was first displayed at the Tokyo Motor Show.
The Hamamatsu-based brand said the eVX would have an impressive 310-mile range with a 60kWh battery. The range puts it ahead of many competitors in the electric SUV sphere.
It has not yet been confirmed when the new electric vehicle will launch, although all indications point to a release next year as the brand repositions itself as an electric manufacturer.
The switch to electric comes as the UK Government cracks down on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles with the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate and the impact that will continue to have on the new car market until 2035.
Automotive manufacturers will be required to have 22 per cent of total sales come from zero emission vehicles - mainly electric cars - before the end of this year, with targets increasing every year until the middle of the next decade.
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Suzuki has a wide range of hybrid vehicles available to drivers
SUZUKI
From 2030, brands will need to have a minimum sales percentage of 80 per cent from electric vehicles to meet the targets, followed by 100 per cent five years later.
Brands can face huge fines, potentially up to £15,000, if they do not meet minimum ZEV sales targets, although experts predict that firms are unlikely to be hit with any sanctions in the first few years of the scheme thanks to credit trading schemes.
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