Electric and not-so-electric.

It has been an extraordinary and confusing week in the UK. Liberal Democrats have vowed to ban diesel and gasoline cars from 2040, yet Ford of Britain is pledged to continue making gasoline and diesel engines.

The Lib Dem policy paper – Green growth and green jobs – sets outs the political party’s ideal manifesto. In it the party’s activists suggest ‘Liberal democrats would specify that by 2040, only ultra-low carbon vehicles will be permitted on UK roads for non-freight purposes. If technology permitted, we would bring forward this date.’

Greenwell to retire from Ford

Ford of Britain chairman Joe Greenwell CBE has ‘elected’ to retire effective end of April 2013. Mark Ovenden, currently managing director, will add the chairman’s role to his responsibilities.

Chairman of Ford of Britain since 2009, Greenwell was also president of the automotive industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders in 2009 and 2010.

Greenwell's career in the motor industry spans over 40 years.