News 6 www.aftermarketonline.net FEBRUARY 2026 NFDA calls for new-year rethink of ZEV mandate Draper Tools has raised £3,950 for automotive industry charity Ben, following the success of the firm’s 2025 Tool Advent Calendar. The calendar, which featured a high-octane design of Father Christmas at the Santa Pod drag strip, offered 24 days of essential tools to open in the countdown to Christmas. For every calendar sold, Draper pledged £1 to Ben. Due to the demand from the trade, the initiative raised over £3,000, with the company donating an additional £500 originally earmarked for printed Christmas cards. Draper, a family business with deep connections to the auto sector, said the calendar was its way of giving back to the people who keep the nation moving. Sarah Hartland, Draper’s head of marketing, said: “We know that for many in the trade, the festive season can be an incredibly demanding time of year, so we wanted to recognise the hard work of all those who collectively help keep the UK’s motorists safe and on the road.” Matt Wigginton, Ben’s director of growth and development, said: “This donation will help us be there for more members of our automotive family who are struggling, or in crisis, providing vital health and wellbeing support when it’s needed most. “We’d also like to say a heartfelt thanks to everyone who bought an advent calendar – you’ve helped us be there for people in our industry who would otherwise face life’s challenges alone.” Draper has been officially supporting Ben since 2024, when it named the cause as its chosen charity partner with a donation of £10,000. Red-letter day for Ben as Draper presents funds Draper Tools team with Johnathan Ramsey, business development manager at Ben The National Franchised Dealers Association is calling for a reevaluation of the UK’s zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate targets after EUwide policies were watered down. The European Commission said on December 16 it was scrapping a proposed 2035 ban on the sale of new ICE cars, with car manufacturers required to comply with a 90% tailpipe emissions reduction target. Now the NFDA has written to UK transport ministers, highlighting the importance of aligning regulatory policy with “evolving international benchmarks”. NFDA chief executive Sue Robinson said: “As the automotive market continues to evolve rapidly, it’s essential that the UK’s ZEV mandate framework is grounded in the latest developments.” Robinson said the association remained committed to working with the government to support a balanced transition to zero emission mobility that benefits businesses and consumers across the UK.
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