Europe must stick to the 2035 deadline for halting the sale of new diesel and petrol cars and keep the current roadmap unchanged. The EU car emission target is deemed “necessary and achievable.” While many EU member states would prefer to slow down, the new rules established in 2022-23 are essential for providing certainty to the industry and ensuring the necessary investments.
This is the core of the appeal made on September 30 by 50 major European companies in the automotive sector to the European Commission. Among the signatories, united under the Industry for 2035 platform, are automotive giants like Volvo Cars, transportation players such as Maersk, Uber, and the largest European vehicle leasing company, Ayvens. The only Italian company involved is Scame Parre, a electrical equipment producer active in the EV charging sector.
Italy’s non-paper against the 2035 target
The intervention comes shortly after Italy presented its non-paper on transport transition. This document, supported by more than 10 EU countries, calls for an immediate review of emission limits for cars and vans, which are set to decrease progressively starting in 2025, ahead of the 2035 ban. Additionally, it sets out conditions for maintaining the 2035 deadline, linking it to a mix of solutions—not just electric vehicles (EVs), but also hydrogen, biofuels, and e-fuels—along with a dedicated investment vehicle to support the industry.
The automotive industry’s appeal on EU car emission targets
While much of the political landscape, following the European elections and the appointment of the new European Commission, is questioning the Green Deal, the coalition behind the appeal defends the green policies of von der Leyen’s first term. They argue that these policies not only gave Europe a real chance to combat catastrophic climate change, but also laid a solid foundation for long-term investments in the region.
The EU car emission target for 2035 provides a “clear direction” that will allow the entire automotive ecosystem to focus its efforts on the transition. It ensures the “much-needed investment certainty” for the future of the European automotive industry.
Investments should focus primarily on electric vehicles, avoiding too many distractions. According to the appeal, “efficient electric vehicles, powered by non-fossil energy sources and built with sustainable batteries and materials, offer the opportunity to usher in a new era of zero-emission mobility.”
Automotive priorities for the new Commission
Instead of reopening the dossier, the signatories argue that efforts should be accelerated in other areas to facilitate the transition. The priorities outlined by the 50 companies include:
- A targeted industrial policy;
- Support for investments in a sustainable local battery supply chain;
- Implementation of charging infrastructure and clean electricity supply;
- Green corporate fleets;
- Workforce retraining for the electric transition.