Acea: Automotive package first step but stronger actions needed
European Automobile Manufacturers' Association calls for more openness and fewer constraints for cars and heavy vehicles
First reactions from the automotive industry to the EU's decisions to reduce emissions to 90 per cent and not 100 per cent by 2035, thus saving the internal combustion car. The 90 per cent reduction in CO2, and no longer 100 per cent, will involve compensation by manufacturers, either through the use of low-emission steel or through the use of sustainable fuels such as e-fuel and advanced biofuels. According to Acea, the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association, the Automotive Package announced by the European Commission is an important first step towards changing the legislation on carbon dioxide emissions for cars and vans. On the face of it, the package needs stronger measures to ease the transition in the coming years. Without urgent action on flexibilities for cars and vans by 2030 - a target in four years - actions for 2035 may have limited effect. Acea welcomed the focus on light commercial vehicles, a vehicle segment in a critical situation, through average compliance and a reduction target by 2030, as well as a number of measures in the Automotive Omnibus. "Today's proposals rightly recognise the need for greater flexibility and technology neutrality to ensure the success of the green transition. This is an important change from the current legislation," said Sigrid de Vries, Director General of Acea, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. "However, the devil can hide in the details. We will now review the package and work with the co-legislators to decisively strengthen the proposals where necessary."
Proposals on compact cars and company fleets
Acea notes that the Commission has also made proposals to make small car production in Europe more competitive, as part of the Automotive Omnibus, which deserve closer examination. In addition to purchase bonuses, they envisage scrappage schemes, favourable parking conditions, toll exemptions or reductions, and charging at reduced rates. The measures announced to make greening of company fleets mandatory risk running counter to the necessary market-based and incentive-based approach. This would lead to all-electric company fleets.
