BMW boss also calls for more flexible CO2 standards in the EU

Next year, the average CO2 emissions of each registered car per car manufacturer must be 93.6 grams per kilometer. This is not the worst after the 95 grams in recent years, but what is new is that from 2025 emissions will be determined according to the stricter WLTP measurement method. So far that has been the forgiving NEDC methodology, so in practice car manufacturers are reportedly faced with the task of reducing average CO2 emissions by a further 25 grams.

To achieve this, car manufacturers must sell a lot of EVs, because they significantly reduce the average with 0 grams per kilometer. That’s where the problem lies, Zipse said in a statement. After all, car manufacturers do not have complete control over what customers buy. In recent months it has become increasingly apparent that EV adaptation has peaked and growth has stagnated somewhat. On the one hand, BMW has plenty of reason to be satisfied, because in 2023 the brand performed 20 percent better in terms of CO2 reduction than what the EU required. Yet Zipse is concerned: “Climate protection cannot be successful if it does not take into account the wishes of customers. That is why we believe that a major revision of CO2 legislation in the EU is necessary.”

Car manufacturers that exceed CO2 emissions face hefty fines. That is never a good time, but especially not in these times of high development costs and growing (Chinese) competition.

Zipse is not alone in his call, as Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume made something similar earlier this week. Both Olivers also find Renault CEO Luca de Meo at their side. De Meo states that the European car industry faces enormous challenges, partly due to unrealistically strict requirements, and calls on the European Union to seek cooperation with the companies that provide so many innovations and employment.