Mediaroom

Brussels, 19 September 2024

In the context of the current debate on CO2 regulations for vehicles and their reviews, CLEPA comments as following:

We welcome the growing debate on CO2 regulations for new vehicles, as automotive suppliers are committed to climate neutrality in transport. We have long maintained that the pace of emission reductions required by the regulation is ambitious and, crucially, that the lack of technological neutrality within the regulations imposes restrictive limitations on the choice of viable technologies.

We support a substantial review of the regulations guided by the principle of technology neutrality, as recently advocated by Mario Draghi in his report. Stricter targets set for next year create immediate pressure, while the 2035 ban on combustion engines, even in advanced hybrid configurations, is locked in by the 100% emissions reduction target. The pathway to achieving these targets must be reassessed to ensure technology openness and emissions over the life-cycle of the vehicle, allow all emission-reducing technologies to complement electrification at the core without putting at risk the competitiveness of the industry.

This does not imply a reversal of direction, but rather underscores the need for strong political support to enable the successful market deployment of climate-neutral technologies. This includes de-risking investments, accelerating the rollout of charging and refueling infrastructure, and ensuring access to batteries and raw materials. Equally crucial is improving the EU’s overall competitiveness by securing affordable energy supplies, reducing regulatory burdens, and ensuring access to key markets.

Key for CLEPA is a regulatory approach that combines climate ambition with sufficient volumes and industrial strength, both in the short- and the long-term. We are eager to continue the dialogue and to find the best solutions for effective and efficient carbon emission reductions.