The European Commission has given automakers three years instead of one year to meet new carbon dioxide emission targets, providing “breathing space” for the industry. The proposal was made after intense pressure from carmakers and their trade associations.
Newly lowered CO2 targets aim to reduce emissions in the automotive sector by at least one-fifth through electric vehicle sales by 2025. However, European carmakers struggle to meet this goal due to lagging behind Chinese and US rivals.
European companies, including Volkswagen, Renault, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, will now have more time to adapt their production and reduce emissions. EU Industry Minister Adolfo Urso welcomed the proposal, saying it saved the European car industry.
However, some critics argue that this extension is a gift to the car industry rather than a genuine solution. Transport research group T&E described the move as “unprecedented” but claimed it would leave Europe further behind China in terms of electric vehicle production.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that targets will stay the same, but compliance will now be based on an average emissions period from 2025 to 2027. EU governments and the European Parliament must still approve this proposal.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/eu-propose-giving-automakers-three-years-meet-co2-emission-targets-2025-03-03