The Motability scheme, which provides subsidised cars to disabled drivers, has announced it will remove expensive brands such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz from its offerings and aim to purchase more British-built vehicles. The scheme hopes that 50% of its cars will come from UK factories by 2035.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the changes would “support thousands of well-paid, skilled jobs” ahead of the budget on Wednesday. The Motability scheme has supported disabled drivers for decades, buying cars from manufacturers and leasing them to drivers, with some adapted for wheelchair access.
Premium brands like BMW and Mercedes made up only 40,000 of the 800,000 Motability cars, about 5%, and were available at no extra cost to taxpayers as disabled drivers paid more from their own pockets. Motability Operations, which runs the scheme, said these brands will be “removed immediately” to focus on vehicles that meet disabled people’s needs and offer value.
The target could boost UK car manufacturing, with Nissan and Toyota producing cars in Sunderland and Burnaston, respectively. Mini, owned by BMW, could also benefit, potentially building electric versions at its Oxford factory. Motability currently leases about 300,000 vehicles a year; if that continues, 150,000 British-built vehicles would be leased in 2035, up from 22,000 last year.
Andrew Miller, Motability Operations chief executive, said: “Working with government and the automotive sector, we want to do even more to support the economy and our ambitious commitment should put British car manufacturing into top gear.” Nissan’s managing director James Taylor welcomed the commitment, noting the scheme’s role in helping disabled people remain mobile.
