Overview

• Automakers, suppliers, unions and clean-transport groups met von der Leyen in Brussels for the third Strategic Dialogue on the future of Europe’s car industry.
• Industry leaders said the 2030/2035 CO2 targets are no longer feasible and sought incentives plus flexibility for technologies such as plug-in hybrids and other low‑emission options.
• Von der Leyen said the Commission will accelerate the 2035 review and emphasized technology neutrality, while repeating a pledge to fund battery manufacturing with €1.8 billion.
• The Commission offered no immediate concessions, with ACEA acknowledging differences remain even as talks focus on making the CO2 framework “fit for reality.”
• Carmakers cited battery supply dependence on Asia, high costs, higher US tariffs, uneven charging networks and rising Chinese competition, while green groups and more than 150 EV businesses urged Brussels to stand firm on 2035 as Europe’s auto sector faces job cuts and an EV share near 15%.