Automotive: EU reopens debate on banning thermal vehicles in 2035
The European Commission announced at a meeting with automotive industry leaders on Friday, September 12, that it would review "as soon as possible" the planned 2035 ban on combustion engine vehicles in the EU, according to the entourage of Commissioner Stéphane Séjourné.
The current texts provide for a review of this measure in 2026, but manufacturers were pushing for an accelerated timetable , in the hope of obtaining relaxations in the face of the difficulties their sector is experiencing.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the announcement to the heads of the main manufacturers on the Old Continent, whom she had brought together in Brussels as part of the "strategic dialogue" on the future of the automobile industry, according to the entourage of the Commissioner for Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné.
The dialogue was launched earlier this year to help the industry adapt to the simultaneous challenges of electrification, competition, and trade tensions. Participants who spoke with Ursula von der Leyen included Renault's new CEO, François Provost, John Elkann (Stellantis), Oliver Zipse (BMW), and Ola Källenius (Mercedes-Benz).
"Together, we will ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of automotive innovation," promised the head of the European executive, in a message published on the social network X.
We want the future of cars – and the cars of the future – to be made in Europe. So we are working hand in hand with industry to make this a reality.
Today, we held our third Strategic Dialogue with the automotive sector, and our Industrial Action Plan is already delivering…
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Manufacturers had already secured a postponement of a CO2 emissions standard a few months ago. But they are now focusing on the Commission's flagship measure: the EU ban on the sale of new cars and light commercial vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel, including hybrids, from 2035. This is a symbol of the ambitious measures of the European Green Deal, which was enacted in March 2023 despite German reluctance.
This measure is increasingly contested by manufacturers, faced with stalling sales of electric models, strong Chinese competition, US customs duties and falling global profits. They now have only one word on their lips: to obtain "flexibility" to switch to all-electric. The Commission is acting "still too indecisively and too lacking in strategy," lamented Hildegard Müller, head of the powerful German Automobile Manufacturers' Federation (VDA).
"Rigid CO2 regulations threaten competitiveness and therefore the transformation of the entire sector," commented German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Tuesday, who had given them his support, pleading from the Munich Motor Show for "intelligent, reliable and flexible European regulations."
Conversely, 150 companies active in the electric vehicle sector (manufacturers, battery manufacturers, charging operators, etc.) spoke out on Monday to defend the 2035 deadline . "Stand firm, don't back down," they pleaded in an open letter addressed to Ursula von der Leyen.
Road transport is responsible for more than 20% of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions, according to European data. Decarbonizing the sector is considered a key step for the EU to meet its climate targets. The 27 countries aim to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels.
Friday's meeting also allowed the Commission President to highlight her proposal, made in her annual speech to the European Parliament on Friday, to help manufacturers develop "affordable, small electric vehicles" that would be manufactured in Europe, expanding a segment in which Chinese manufacturers are competing.
These discussions are taking place amid a pro-business shift within the European Union, notably through the revision of numerous environmental measures adopted during Ursula von der Leyen's previous term.
La Croıx
