Duckhams Oils examines the ICE-ban delay

Duckhams Oils, a brand that has been around since 1899, is likely to have plenty of experience in adapting to changing markets. Jabir Sheth, its chairman, delves into the ICE-ban delay and its likely effects:

According to a What Car? survey of in-market car buyers, nearly two-thirds of UK drivers (60.1%) were in favour of the UK government’s decision to push back the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles to 2035. Their reasons varied from concerns over the lack of charging infrastructure to the cost of EVs, range fears and those who simply prefer driving petrol or diesel vehicles.

EVs are generally more expensive to buy than petrol or diesel vehicles. Cheaper running costs are expected to offset these higher upfront costs, but higher insurance, the end of the vehicle excise duty exemption from April 2025 and soaring electricity costs may narrow the gap.

The sector is making good progress regarding workshops for EVs, but data from IMI reported a potential shortfall of 16,000 qualified technicians by 2032.

ICE vehicles are likely to be around for many years after 2035

Drivers and fleet operators are holding onto their vehicles longer than ever before. According to the latest ACEA Vehicles in Use 2023 report, passenger cars are now, on average, 12 years old in the European Union, vans 12 years, trucks 14.2 years and buses 12.7 years – a marked rise since 2018, when cars were, on average, 10.5 years old, vans 10.5 years old, and trucks and buses 11.7 years old.

Catering to the diverse and ageing vehicles on our roads, since 1899, Duckhams Oils has been offering high-performance engine oils formulated to keep engines of all ages moving. Improved reliability and the cost-of-living crisis means motorists are in no rush to switch to EVs.

Whilst alternatively powered vehicles are increasing their share of new car sales, petrol was still the most popular choice for new registrations in the EU in September 2023, with petrol and diesel accounting for 46.8% of all registrations. Diesel continues to dominate new truck registrations and is still the most popular choice for new van registrations. These vehicles will still be on the roads by 2035 and beyond.

Duckhams under the microscope

Alexander Duckham founded Duckhams in 1899, and his entrepreneurial, pioneering spirit has been at the heart of the company ever since.

Over 100 years ago, Duckhams developed new process oils that controlled the build-up of carbon deposits. In 1951, Duckhams was responsible for the introduction of Europe’s first multi-grade oil, an innovation which transformed lubrication technology forever.

Duckhams has always strived to blend innovation with quality to create products that make movement frictionless. It will continue to innovate and support motor factors, technicians and motorists alike – whatever the future vehicle parc requirement, be that petrol, diesel, hybrid, electric or hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Duckhams QS & QXR synthetic engine oils, for example, are formulated with modern additive technology and high-quality base oils to meet current specifications and provide advanced protection for modern passenger cars. Hypergrade Plus engine oils are formulated to meet the requirements of older vehicles and provide complete protection.