The news stories that shaped the car industry this year

Of course, it would be up to others to see whether profits could be made from small electric cars without production being subsidized by the state.

In March, with European car brands in retreat, de Meo went on the offensive and denounced European regulations as “objectively favoring high-end models”. He called on authorities to help restore the balance by actively promoting the development of affordable cars again.

Nothing was received from governments, but the Renault group still launched the Dacia Spring, a simple electric vehicle offering 137 miles of range with an entry price of £14,995.

Crucially, it was Europe’s cheapest electric car – but notably it’s built in China, making it a more viable commercial proposition.

Even with the 20.7% import tariff, there are no plans to shift production to Europe.

Renault has since followed it up with the made in France 5, priced at £22,995, and Volkswagen is preparing both a sub-£25,000 ‘ID 2’ and a sub-£20,000 ‘ID 1’.

New government

This year also saw a change of government, ending 14 years of conservative rule. In October, a lot depended on new chancellor Rachel Reeves’ autumn budget, but it turned out the answers to many crucial questions weren’t hiding in her shiny red briefcase.

As part of its election platform, Labor promised a series of commitments focused on cars and drivers, including reinstating the ban on new combustion engine cars in 2030 (with some hybrids allowed until 2035 ) in order to provide “certainty” to car manufacturers who have not really done so. I don’t know what cars they will be able to sell when we enter the next decade.

He also pledged to reduce rising insurance costs and help electric vehicle buyers by increasing the number of charging points, as well as introducing a battery health standard to promote adoption used electric vehicles.

Yet October’s autumn budget proved somewhat disappointing and, despite significant lobbying efforts by major players in the auto industry, no purchase incentives were introduced for electric vehicles.