diesel

But unlike many other sectors it has struggled to reduce its carbon footprint over the last decade and is reliant on fossil fuels like diesel.

Ministers are fast forwarding announcements originally planned for their Industrial Strategy due in the summer, such as that loosening of the rules over the phasing out of petrol and diesel only cars.

While plans to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles pre-date the tariffs announcement, the government framed its latest intervention as a way to help car firms grow despite potentially seismic changes to the motor industry.

Under the plans while a general 2030 ban on the sale of cars powered by petrol and diesel will not be moved, some flexibility will be granted on annual requirements until that date.

It is aimed at existing pilots who want to transition away from diesel piston engines.