A potential solution for the European Union’s (EU) more stringent carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions limits for the automotive industry is being considered, which could alleviate the burden on manufacturers. According to a report by the German business daily “Handelsblatt” the EU Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, is seeking a “quick fix” for the industry, which could be decided upon soon.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that the current favored approach is to combine the CO2 targets for the years 2025, 2026 and 2027 into a single adjustment period, effectively removing the annual targets. The so-called Strategic Dialogue between the EU Commission and the automotive industry is currently underway, with the CEOs of major German automakers, such as BMW, Mercedes and Volkswagen, as well as those of Bosch, ZF, Stellantis and Renault, participating.
The EU Commission has invited the press to a press conference for 1 p.m. on Monday, where a potential solution to the CO2 fleet limits may be presented. On Wednesday, the EU Commission is set to unveil its action plan for the automotive industry, which will include measures such as the expansion of charging infrastructure.
The European automotive industry is looking anxiously at the new CO2 fleet limits of the European Union, which have been in effect since this year. If the stricter climate goals are not met, the manufacturers could face billions of euros in fines. The European automotive industry association, ACEA, estimates the costs for the industry at up to 16 billion euros.