Automotive industry: ‘Decide quickly on EU target for 2035’

The trade association of the European car industry, ACEA, calls on the European Commission and Council not to wait too long with a decision on the rules for new car emissions from 2035. Manufacturers want certainty, so that they know whether they are or no longer have to take into account a possible longer life of the combustion engine. That certainty seemed to be there after the European Parliament vote last month, but the ultimate European Council vote – normally little more than a formality – has been suspended at the request of Germany and Italy.

The reason for this is that the new legislation for 2035 onwards, which was finally decided, would leave no room for the possible use of synthetic fuels. The German car industry in particular does not want to let this technology pass by, so it is now obstructing it. Luca de Meo, president of ACEA, can understand this. According to him, mass electrification is an important means of reducing CO2 emissions, but it is incorrect to focus only on that technology: ‘Fossil energy is the enemy, not a specific technology’, pointing to that of the combustion engine.

Whatever the final decision is; De Meo calls on European policymakers on behalf of ACEA not to wait too long. The ban on CO2-emitting cars has been in the air for years, but even now that there seems to be a definitive scenario, there is again talk of postponement. The European manufacturers do not want to take this into account for much longer, hence the call: make a choice. It is not yet clear which choice that should be and when it will be made. Either a decision will eventually be made about the plans as they are now, or – as Germany and Italy want – a change must first take place.