Overview

• Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius renewed calls for a “reality check” on the EU’s 2035 combustion ban, warning of economic harm and a pre-ban rush for petrol cars.
• Mercedes-Benz will extend petrol and hybrid model availability beyond 2030 after its EV share fell to 8.4% of global deliveries in the first half of 2025.
• Stellantis Europe chief Jean-Philippe Imparato warned that the group could face up to €2.5 billion in CO2 fines and potential factory closures within two to three years if targets remain unchanged.
• Electric vehicles made up just 17.5% of new car sales across the EU, UK, and EFTA in the first half of 2025, highlighting persistent affordability, infrastructure, and competitiveness barriers.
• Brussels has maintained the 2035 zero-emission new-car rule but scheduled a review in response to industry calls for transitional allowances, recognition of e-fuels, and greater support for charging infrastructure.