European Parliament divided on automotive_CO2 targets

The different political groups disagree on the emissions targets already established; the right-wing bloc asks to listen to the automobile employers, while the left believes that delaying them would end the Green Deal.

The automotive sector continues to resist the CO₂ emission reduction targets imposed by the EU and is looking to postpone its deadlines. European lawmakers are divided on the issue, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is preparing a new meeting with members of the sector, scheduled for September 12.

A letter sent by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and the European Automotive Suppliers Association (CLEPA) at the end of August warned that CO₂ targets for cars and vans for 2030 and 2035 are “simply unfeasible”.

With transport accounting for 25% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the EU, the Commission is aiming for a 90% reduction by 2040 in order to achieve climate neutrality. This is the basis of the Green Deal, the EU’s plan to achieve climate neutrality by mid-century. A regulation passed in 2019 set progressive emission limits that each automaker must comply with for its entire fleet, i.e. all vehicles they sell in EU countries. In this way, manufacturers are incentivized to produce less polluting models. While exceptions are allowed based on the number of zero-emission cars sold, manufacturers that exceed CO₂ standards must pay fines for each extra gram of carbon emissions. The Commission has given manufacturers more time to meet CO₂ emission reduction targets set for 2025, but remains firm on its 2035 target, when only zero-emission car models should be sold on the EU market. However, the industry is resisting, seeking more concessions for hybrid vehicles and fuel-efficient engine vehicles, which do produce a certain amount of CO₂ emissions.

Continue reading news in Euro News