**Struggling Major Car Brands Fall Behind ZEV Mandate Targets**

**Introduction:**
Major car manufacturers like Ford, Land Rover, Renault, VW, and Toyota are struggling to meet the 22% target for zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales in the UK for 2024. While some brands are exceeding expectations, others are lagging behind and facing penalties for non-compliance.

**Current Status of EV Sales:**
According to recent data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, electric vehicle (EV) sales accounted for 16.6% of all car sales in the UK this year. However, some brands like Seat, Suzuki, and Land Rover have EV mixes of less than 10%, with Land Rover currently at 0%.

**Challenges Faced by Leading Brands:**
Volkswagen, one of the early adopters of EV technology, has seen a significant drop in EV sales this year, with only 7.9% of its sales being electric. Similarly, Renault is struggling with just 7.6% of EV sales in the first half of the year.

**Strategies to Meet Targets:**
To avoid penalties, car manufacturers are exploring options like selling more plug-in hybrids to offset their average CO2 targets. Brands like Renault are optimistic about reaching their targets by leveraging emissions reductions from hybrid sales and introducing new electric models.

**Future Outlook:**
As the ZEV mandate becomes more stringent, car makers are under pressure to increase their EV sales. The mandate is set to rise to 25% next year and aims for 80% of all new sales to be EVs by 2030. The industry is anticipating changes to the program in 2026, which could impact percentage targets.

**Conclusion:**
While some car brands are excelling in meeting ZEV targets, others are struggling to keep up. With the automotive industry transitioning towards electric vehicles, major manufacturers need to adapt their strategies to align with the evolving market demands.