RAY MASSEY: Auto industry’s response to government decrees mirrors Oasis ticket furore

The commotion over the price increases for Oasis concerts should teach government ministers that their interventions can have unintended consequences.

Because when there is a lot of demand for a product that is in limited supply – for example, fans who want to see Noel and Liam Gallagher – prices go up.

Under the government’s ‘ZEV mandate’ for zero-emission vehicles, carmakers must make 22 per cent of cars sold electric this year, rising to 80 per cent by 2030 or face a fine of £15,000 per car.

Crazy about: The outcry over Oasis concert ticket hikes should teach government ministers how their interventions can have unintended consequences

As a result, automakers are now limiting or rationing the supply of popular gasoline and hybrid cars.

Vertu Motors CEO Robert Forrester said this week: “It’s almost as if we can’t deliver the cars that people want.”

Renault 5 crowned

Meanwhile, the new, all-electric Renault 5 has been crowned world champion at the annual Best Car of the Year awards (bestcarsoftheyear.com).

Ahead of its launch at the Paris Motor Show next month, the car was also named best electric car by an international jury and votes from visitors to the recent British Motor Show in Farnborough, where the contenders were on display.

CARS & DRIVING: ON TEST

Related Post