The Group of Seven nations leaders, have backed away from setting a firm and agreed date on the end of internal combustion engine production and instead, have signed a pledge to speed up efforts to move towards more green propulsion methods.

The final statement following the G7 summit in Cornwall, included a section on the future of the automotive sector. It said, “In our transport sectors, we commit to sustainable, decarbonised mobility and to scaling up zero emission vehicle technologies, including buses, trains, shipping and aviation. We recognise   that   this   will   require   dramatically   increasing   the   pace   of   the   global decarbonisation  of  the  road  transport  sector  throughout  the  2020s,  and  beyond.  This includes support for accelerating the roll out of necessary infrastructure, such as charging and fueling infrastructure and enhancing the offer of more sustainable transport modes, including public transport, shared mobility, cycling and walking. We commit to accelerate the transition away from new sales of diesel and petrol cars to promote the uptake of zero emission vehicles.”

Observers believe the statement represents a compromise which reflects the differing positions of G7 members and anticipate that while the EU may offer some flexibility on the 2030 target date, the general objective will remain in place.