The United Kingdom delayed by five years its ban on sales of new internal-combustion-engine vehicles.

The transition now won’t happen until 2035, which reflects the timeline of U.S. and European Union governments' plans.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the delay, saying it will help ease the transition. It drew both praise and criticism from various quarters. Some panned the move, saying it needlessly delays environmental protection in the form of greener technology, while others said it’s a prudent slowdown.

Toyota praised the change, saying it gives automakers time to catch up and offer various alternatives to gas power. Others complained, including Ford, saying they’ve been investing in UK facilities to ready for the original 2030 deadline since it was announced three years ago.

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