Europe's automotive sector has delivered a unified message to the European Union, calling for a strategic reassessment of current environmental regulations and transition timelines that industry leaders warn may be unrealistic given today's global economic landscape.
Joint Industry Appeal
The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) and the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) have jointly addressed EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, expressing serious concerns about the viability of existing plans to phase out combustion engines by the mid-2030s. This unprecedented collaboration between manufacturers and suppliers signals the depth of industry concern about current policy trajectories.
The automotive industry is warning that meeting the strict 2030 and 2035 CO' targets for cars and vans is no longer realistic in the current global context. Europe's auto industry is calling on the EU to revisit these ambitious timelines, arguing that inflexible deadlines risk undermining European competitiveness in the global marketplace.
Industry Commitment Remains Strong
Despite their concerns about timelines, the sector remains ready to invest in and deliver the technologies needed for decarbonization. Industry leaders emphasize they are not abandoning environmental goals but seeking a more pragmatic approach that balances climate objectives with economic realities.
The letter preparation coincides with the upcoming Strategic Dialogue initiative, which the EU has established to foster closer cooperation between policymakers and automotive stakeholders. European automotive manufacturers and suppliers welcome the Strategic Dialogue on the future of the European automotive industry as a crucial opportunity for constructive engagement.
Global Competition Pressures
The industry's appeal comes amid intensifying global competition, particularly from Chinese manufacturers and evolving American trade policies. European automotive suppliers and manufacturers have issued a joint call for the EU to recalibrate its green transition strategy, warning that without a more holistic policy framework, Europe risks undermining its industrial competitiveness.
This letter represents a critical moment for European automotive policy, as the industry seeks to maintain its commitment to decarbonization while ensuring the survival and competitiveness of one of Europe's most important manufacturing sectors in an increasingly challenging global environment.
