Car Buying Advice – Suzuki streamlines range to comply with ZEV mandate
Suzuki GB has announced it will discontinue four models from its new car range as it prepares to launch new electric vehicles (EVs) next year to comply with the government’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
That means the end of the road for popular models, including Ignis, Swift Sport, Swace and Jimny LCV – all of which are no longer available for factory order with only a limited number of cars remaining.
The all-new Swift will continue of course, along with Suzuki’s hybrid SUV range – S-Cross, Vitara and Across plug-in hybrid.
“Why is Suzuki stopping these models? The ban on new internal combustion vehicles (ICE) isn’t until 2035?”
The Conservative government announced in 2023 that it would delay the ban on the sale of new ICE vehicles from 2030 to 2035, a measure the newly incumbent Labour government seeks to overturn.
More than anything, this decision has confused motorists, with many unaware the ZEV mandate requires all UK car manufacturers to meet new EV sales targets, starting with 22% in 2024 and rising incrementally over the next 11 years.
Annual ZEV mandate targets to 2035:
“But Suzuki doesn’t have an EV yet… How can they achieve 22% this year?”
In short, they won’t. Manufacturers who don’t meet the quotas face a fine of £15,000 for every non-EV sold outside of the allowance.
The government has rubber-stamped flexibility measures though, allowing brands to bank credits to use in future years or buy and sell them with other manufacturers who have exceeded or missed their annual EV targets.
In 2024, manufacturers can borrow up to 75% of their annual target, dropping to 25% in 2026, with the idea to help brands with low EV volumes, like Suzuki, during the early stages of the scheme.
“What does the ZEV mandate mean for new Suzuki buyers?”
If you’re considering buying a new Ignis, Swift Sport, Swace or Jimny LCV, you better be quick – some models like Ignis automatic have already sold out.
As the brand enters an era where it must carefully balance hybrid and EV sales ratios, other ICE models will soon become less available and more expensive, as the focus shifts to achieving EV targets over sales targets.
Suzuki plans to release its first fully electric car, based on the eVX concept, in the second half of 2025, with four more EVs added to the range by 2030.
If you have any questions about model availability or the ZEV mandate, please message our team or visit our showroom at Tracks Suzuki Exeter on Alphin Brook Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter EX2 8QF.