the call for help from European manufacturers

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has published a long letter in which it asks Brussels for urgent help on several levels.

The erosion of electric vehicle sales in Europe combined with the new CO2 targets for cars and vans in 2025 is of great concern to European car manufacturers, who made this known on September 19 in a letter to the European Commission, which it is urging to finally follow its recommendations. In this letter, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), of which Stellantis is no longer a member, states: “European car manufacturers, united within ACEA, are therefore calling on the European institutions to propose urgent relief measures before new CO2 targets for cars and vans come into force in 2025.. Furthermore, we urge the European Commission to bring forward the revisions of the CO2 regulations for light and heavy vehicles, currently scheduled for 2026 and 2027 respectively, to 2025.”

Multi-level assistance

Furthermore, while the ACEA recalls that for its part “it has played its part in this energy transition”, it deplores: “Unfortunately, it lacks crucial conditions to achieve the necessary impetus in the production and adoption of zero-emission vehicles: hydrogen refueling and filling infrastructure, as well as a competitive manufacturing environment, affordable green energy, purchasing and tax incentives and a secure supply of raw materialshydrogen and batteries. Economic growth, consumer acceptance and confidence in infrastructure have also not developed sufficiently.”

Warning

Finally, ACEA warns of the serious consequences that could arise if the EU does not take rapid action to counter competition, particularly from China: “This raises the daunting prospect of either multi-billion euro fines that could otherwise be invested in the zero-emission transition, or unnecessary production cuts, job losses and a weakening of the European supply and value chain at a time when we face fierce competition from other automotive manufacturing regions.”