European dealers sound the alarm

(Boursier.com) — The group’s European dealers Stellantis urge Brussels for more flexibility. They are calling on the European Union to delay the introduction of stricter rules on CO2 emissions planned for next year. Four associations representing European distributors of the Alfa Romeo, Citroën, Fiat, Jeep and Peugeot brands have asked the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to delay the entry into force of the regulations on January 1 because they could harm to the auto industry, according to an Oct. 4 letter obtained by ‘Bloomberg News.’

“We are in daily contact with end customers who frequently reject electric vehicles due to concerns about price, range and affordability,” the dealers wrote. “This places us in a contrary position to the manufacturer we represent, who remains optimistic about compliance with these strict European regulations. However, from our perspective, the industry is not yet ready to achieve the necessary volume of electric vehicle sales.

European carmakers could face up to 15 billion euros in fines due to tougher 2025 emissions targets, Renault CEO Luca de Meo said last month. Carlos Tavares, the boss of Stellantis, is one of the handful of players in the sector to support the upcoming changes. The leader said last month it would be “surreal” to change the rules now.

The automaker and its dealers are “very proud to contribute as a team to the fight against global warming,” a Stellantis media representative told the agency in response to the dealers’ letter. “We will work with our dealers to define the perfect sales mix within the limits of CO2 emissions compliance.”