Full list of cars axed from Mobility scheme including some big name brands

A major shake-up to the Motability scheme has been confirmed and it means drivers will no longer be able to choose high-end luxury cars through the programme. At the same time the government says the changes are designed to prioritise UK car makers and boost investment at home. Motability allows eligible disabled people who receive personal independence payments (PIP) to exchange part of their benefit for a rented vehicle. The scheme offers tax exemptions and covers necessary vehicle adaptions, helping many retain independence, mobility and employment. Founded in 1977, Motability has grown in a major force in the UK car market, with over 800,000 Motability vehicles on the road today - with 50,000 of the vehicles leased by the scheme being higher-end vehicles. However recent years have seen growing controversy, particularly around the rising number of people with non-visible disabilities and the increase in volume of individuals receiving PIP. Additionally, there were complaints that some individuals receiving PIP were able to get a luxury vehicle by paying an additional contribution. Critics complained that individuals should not be able to get a "premium" car subsidised by the taxpayer. Motability Operations, the organisation delivering the scheme, has now announced that branded luxury options will be phased out. Popular high-end brands including BMW, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Lexus and Alfa Romeo will no longer be available, with their removal taking effect 'immediately'. The organisation also stated it must concentrate on cars that "meet disabled peoples' needs and represent value and purpose". Additionally, the charity also outlined a major shift towards supporting the British automotive industry. Its long term ambition is for half of all leased vehicles to be built in the UK by 2035, ultimately generating demand for around 150,000 vehicles each year. This will inevitably include models from Nissan, which has one of the UK's largest car factories in Sunderland, as well as car made by Mini and Toyota. An announcement from Motability explained: "In the short term, Motability Operations will work closely with UK-based manufacturers to increase the share of British-built vehicles leased by customers, while maintaining affordability, choice and quality. "This includes doubling the number of Nissan British-built vehicles that the scheme leases to around 40,000. "The intention would be that 25 per cent of cars on the scheme would be UK-built by 2030, up from 7 per cent today." Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who reportedly vowed to axe luxury cars from the scene a few weeks ago, said: "Backing British car manufacturing will support thousands of well-paid, skilled jobs and is exactly the long-term investment our Modern Industrial Strategy delivers. "We are growing the economy to bring down debt, cut NHS waiting lists and cut the cost of living."