Motability Scheme Faces Calls to Ban 12 Chinese Car Models

The Department for Work and Pensions is under pressure to exclude certain Chinese-made models from the Motability Scheme, which supports people receiving Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA). The calls come amid concerns about the impact of Chinese vehicles on the British automotive industry.

Members of Parliament are debating proposals to ban Chinese brand vehicles from the scheme, which currently includes 12 models from Chinese manufacturers. Critics argue that the presence of these vehicles could undermine the domestic car industry and flood the UK market with foreign products.

Sir Iain Duncan Smith, former Conservative Party leader, urged Motability to take a stand to protect the British motor sector. He warned that without intervention, the UK risks losing its car manufacturing industry entirely as Chinese firms expand aggressively.

Alicia Kearns, Conservative MP for Rutland and Stamford and former chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, echoed these concerns. She described the scheme’s inclusion of Chinese cars as a potential “backdoor subsidy” for state-backed manufacturers from China.

In response, a Motability Operations spokesperson said the scheme aims to offer a wide range of vehicles that reflect the choices available to all UK drivers, excluding premium brands. They highlighted recent commitments to increase the number of British-built vehicles in the scheme, including plans to double Sunderland-produced Nissan vehicles by 2030 and to have half of all leased vehicles British-built by 2035.

The Chinese models currently available on the Motability Scheme include: