Carmakers ‘delaying investment in UK factories until EV sales rules relaxed’

Minis on the production line at BMW’s factory in Oxford. The company has postponed plans to build electric versions at the site. Photograph: Graeme Robertson/The Guardian

Carmakers are delaying final decisions to invest in UK factories until electric car sales rules are relaxed, according to the head of the British car industry’s lobby group.

The chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Mike Hawes, said those with existing UK operations were considering building new models, but had held back so far.