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EU Auto Leaders Declare 2030–2035 CO2 Targets Unworkable as Von der Leyen Sets Sept. 12 Talks

Von der Leyen will meet industry leaders on September 12 to consider requests for broader technology options.

An exhaust pipe of a car is pictured on a street in a Berlin, Germany, February 22, 2018. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo
‘No Longer Feasible’: European Carmakers Call On The EU To Tweak CO2 Targets: Industry

Overview

  • In a letter to the European Commission, ACEA’s Ola Källenius and CLEPA’s Matthias Zink said car and van CO2 goals for 2030 and 2035 are no longer feasible despite a commitment to reach net zero by 2050.
  • The Commission confirmed a Strategic Dialogue with automotive executives on September 12 to discuss the sector’s path forward.
  • The associations cited near-total reliance on Asian batteries, patchy charging infrastructure, higher manufacturing costs and U.S. tariffs as key obstacles to meeting current rules.
  • They urged a technology‑neutral approach that keeps room for plug‑in hybrids, range extenders, highly efficient combustion engines, hydrogen and decarbonised fuels, and they asked for a review of heavy‑duty CO2 regulation.
  • They pressed for expanded purchase incentives, less red tape and investment in battery, semiconductor and critical mineral supply chains, noting EVs are about 15% of EU car sales and 9% for vans after a prior three‑year averaging reprieve on fines.