Brussels
The European Commission has pushed back against car makers’ calls to delay the upcoming 2025 CO2 reduction targets, asserting that the industry has had ample time to prepare for the changes.
Under current EU regulations, manufacturers must reduce average CO2 emissions of their vehicles by 15% by next year, compared to 2021 levels.
However, a leaked industry paper, reportedly spearheaded by Renault and its CEO Luca de Meo, who also heads the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), had suggested a two-year delay. They They argue that without addressing these issues, carmakers will struggle to meet the required targets.
Environmental groups have branded the proposal “cynical and absurd,” pointing to the significant profits made by carmakers in recent years.
Expert Ferdinand Dudenhoffer from the Centre for Automotive Research in Germany supported the industry position, citing German political decisions as a major factor in the slowdown of EV sales.
He blamed the German government’s sudden withdrawal of its electric car bonus for hampering EV growth, stating:”Why the numbers are falling in Europe is entirely down to Germany.”
As the debate continues, ACEA is expected to discuss the proposal imminently. He
