Everything Wheeler Dealers host Mike Brewer has said on upcoming petrol and diesel car ban

Wheeler Dealers presenter Mike Brewer has opened up on the UK’s petrol and diesel car ban with brand new combustion vehicles set to be taken off the roads within years. Labour recently confirmed the UK would bring forward its car ban policy to 2030 as per the party’s election manifesto. However, the Government has confirmed there are some exceptions in place. Small manufacturers producing fewer than 2,500 vehicles per year not required to follow the rule until 2035.

Meanwhile, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles will also be exempt from the rule for an extra five years. Mike has rarely changed his views on the ban, still holding reservations on whether the policy will go ahead and how much impact it will have on road users.

Before Labour’s election victory, Mike raised concerns over the ban and questioned if the policy would go ahead.

He explained: “I’ve got a funny feeling they are not going to bring it earlier to 2030.

“I think they are going to kick it down the road even further. It will go to 2040 because we are just not ready.

“The infrastructure isn’t ready. Nobody is ready for it yet, We are just getting used to it.

“It is only, possibly, now we have got parity in terms of electric used car prices and ICE cars. We are only possibly now just getting used to it and we are 2025 around the corner.

“I don't think we will be ready in that short a period of time. I think it will be kicked down the road until 2040 by the Government.”

The ban will only impact brand-new combustion vehicles, meaning that classic petrol and diesel models can remain on the roads.

He has since predicted that historic vehicle owners would barely notice any difference in the long term despite the changes.

Mike stressed: "Nothing is going to happen. Nothing is going to change for the classic car owners. Come 2050 I will be able to drive my Porsche 911 and go to a petrol station and put unleaded fuel in it. Nothing will change.”

The Wheeler Dealers host later added: "In 20 years' time, I'll be driving a 1991 Porsche 964 Turbo and be very happy doing it. I'll pay everyone's tax if it needs be just so I can enjoy that ICE car one last time."

However, Mike has also been clear that he will miss the production of brand new combustion models, admitting it would be “painful” to lose them from UK streets.

Mike said: “I just love the fact it hurts, a V8. When you put your right foot down there's this fist that appears beyond the steering column and punches you in the stomach. It’s that feeling of pain I love when driving a V8.

“Me and you have taken the plunge and we have both gone and bought electric cars. But I think it's fair to say we are really really going to miss this aren't we? It’s going to be painful to say goodbye to noises like this.”