Major car brand refuses to stop petrol car sales to meet electric vehicle targets despite risk of fines

Under the terms of the UK's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, manufacturers must ensure that at least 33 per cent of sales come from electric cars by the end of the year.

These annual targets will continue to increase to 80 per cent in 2030 and 100 per cent in 2035, when only zero emission cars will be on sale.

Labour has announced its intention to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from the end of the decade, although hybrids will remain on sale between 2030 and 2035.

Manufacturers who fail to adhere to these rules could be slapped with a fine worth £12,000 per polluting vehicle sold over the threshold.

However, brands are able to buy and sell credits to ensure they meet the ZEV mandate targets, with electric-only brands, like Tesla and Polestar, having a surplus of ZEV credits.

Dacia's VP for sales and marketing, Frank Marotte, told Autocar that there would be a "trade-off" between petrol and diesel models that are sold, and electric vehicles that it cannot sell.

Dacia currently has six new models in its UK lineup, including the Sandero, Sandero Stepway, Jogger, Duster and Bigster, in addition to the electric Spring.

Mr Marotte said the brand wouldn't limit its internal combustion engine sales, but would have to increase the sale of electric vehicles.

He added: "At the end of the day, we need to be compliant with the ZEV mandate, because the penalties are too high and we have no intention at Renault Group to pay penalties."

Dacia captured almost 1.5 per cent of the total market share in the UK last year, with an impressive 30,005 new vehicle registrations.

Mr Marotte noted that the Romanian brand could look to increase its electric vehicle offering in the UK to boost sales and battle against competition.

Dacia's Sandero model remains the most popular model in Europe, with the Sandero accounting for almost one in 55 new car sales.

It was the continent's best-selling passenger car across all channels for the second consecutive year in a huge boost for the manufacturer.

It also remains the best-selling vehicle to private individuals, an achievement it has held for almost 10 years, since 2017.

Dacia sold more than 289,000 Sandero models around the world over the last 12 months, bringing its total to more than 3.58 million since it was first introduced in 2008.

The Sandero starts from just £14,765, making it one of the cheapest models on the market, in addition to the electric Spring, which retails from £15,990.

The Mioveni-based manufacturer is planning to release upgraded Sandero and Sandero Stepway models in 2026, with a refreshed exterior.

Dacia has promised a new inverted "T" LED light signature, as well as redesigned front and rear bumpers to give the two models a modern look.