Maker of Vauxhall and Citreon motors threatens to SHUT its UK factories over ‘impossible’ Net Zero targets

THE maker of Vauxhall, Citroen and Peugeot motors has threatened to shut its UK factories over Net Zero targets.

Stellantis said it would have to stop production if the UK went ahead with “impossible” goals and zero-emissions penalties on car-manufacturing.

It puts up to 2,500 workers at risk at its sites in Luton and Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, and others in the supply chain.

UK boss Maria Grazia Davino said: “Stellantis UK does not stop, but Stellantis production in the UK could stop”.

The current UK rules require 22 per cent of car-makers’ sales to be zero-emission this year, rising to 80 per cent in 2030.

Labour has brought forward a plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel motors from 2035 to 2030.

Ms Davino said it would have to heavily discount electric cars to stimulate consumer demand and avoid fines, which are as much as £15,000 per vehicle.

She added: “You have to ask why should I continue investing in this country that has these negative results?”

She said she would wait less than a year for a decision from the next government on plans.

If the firm is unhappy, it “will enter an evaluation of producing elsewhere”, she said.