Brussels: European automotive manufacturers (ACEA) and suppliers (CLEPA) have issued a stark warning that the EU's CO2 emission targets for cars are "no longer feasible." In a letter addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the industry leaders highlighted the challenges in meeting the 2030 and 2035 targets amid current global conditions.
According to Anadolu Agency, the letter was signed by Mercedes-Benz CEO and ACEA President Ola Kallenius, along with Schaeffler CEO of Powertrain and Chassis and CLEPA President Matthias Zink. The duo emphasized the need for recalibration of the CO2 reduction path in road transport to balance EU climate goals with safeguarding Europe's industrial competitiveness, social cohesion, and strategic resilience of supply chains.
In anticipation of a meeting with automotive executives on September 12, Kallenius and Zink cautioned von der Leyen about the EU's potential lag in automotive transition without a more holistic and pragmatic policy framework. They pointed out Europe's significant dependency on Asia for battery value chains, uneven charging infrastructure distribution, increased manufacturing costs, and burdening tariffs, such as the 15% duty on EU vehicle exports to the US.
Kallenius and Zink expressed concern over the insufficient market share of battery-electric vehicles and the constraints faced in transforming the industry. They advocated for a revision of CO2 standards to introduce flexibility, industrial perspective, and a market-driven approach, arguing that penalties and legal mandates alone are insufficient.
They further stressed the necessity of "technology neutrality" in regulations, allowing all technologies to aid in decarbonization efforts. They highlighted the importance of technologies like plug-in hybrid vehicles in achieving decarbonization goals, involving consumers in the green transformation, and catering to export markets where demand remains robust.
The executives also urged the Commission to protect Europe's production capacity and technological expertise. They warned that without policies enhancing European competitiveness, the transition could erode the industrial base, endangering innovation, quality employment, and supply chain resilience. "The world has changed drastically since the current direction has been set," they noted, emphasizing the need for the EU's automotive strategy to evolve accordingly.