With the publication of the “automotive package”, the European Commission has made a first step to creating a more pragmatic and flexible pathway to align decarbonisation with competitiveness and resilience objectives.
“Today’s proposals rightly recognise the need for more flexibility and technology neutrality to make the green transition a success. This constitutes a major change compared to the current law,” stated Sigrid de Vries, Director General of ACEA, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. “However, the devil can be very much in the detail. We will now study the package, and work with co-legislators to critically strengthen the proposals where needed.”
At first glance, the package needs more decisive measures to facilitate the transition in the next few years. Without urgent action on 2030 flexibilities for cars and vans – the milestone which is four years from now – action on 2035 may have a limited effect.
Moreover, attaching strict conditionalities to various elements of the package may have a counterproductive effect on technology openness and competitiveness. Notably, narrow “made in the EU” requirements and the proposed emission compensation system need further careful evaluation.
ACEA welcomes the dedicated attention for light commercial vehicles (LCVs), a vehicle segment that is in a dire situation, through compliance averaging and a 2030 target reduction, and a number of measures in the Automotive Omnibus.
Equally, the targeted amendment for heavy commercial vehicles is a positive, first step, which now needs speedy adoption. It must be followed by an accelerated review of HDV CO2 Regulation, which cannot wait until 2027. The sector needs an urgent assessment and regular monitoring of the state of the most critical enabling conditions for the segment’s transition.
ACEA notes the Commission has also made proposals to make manufacturing of small cars in Europe more competitive, as part of the Automotive Omnibus, which merit closer scrutiny. The announced measures to mandate the greening of corporate fleets risk running counter to the necessary market and incentive-based approach. The industry is supporting incentives and enabling conditions across vehicle segments. Heavy-duty vehicles also need appropriate demand-stimulus measures.
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) represents the 16 major Europe-based car, van, truck and bus makers: BMW Group, DAF Trucks, Daimler Truck, Ferrari, Ford of Europe, Honda Motor Europe, Hyundai Motor Europe, Iveco Group, JLR, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Renault Group, Stellantis, Toyota Motor Europe, Volkswagen Group, and Volvo Group.
