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Many had predicted a return to the past after the next European elections in June. At the very least, a postponement of the much-contested stop to the production of internal combustion engines, petrol and diesel, set by Brussels to 2035. The car manufacturers had proposed a five-point Manifesto at the end of November. Nothing less than “high-level recommendations for policies, addressed to the European institutions for the 2024-29 mandate”: Industrial Deal, stop to the jungle of often conflicting regulations, free but fair market, technological neutrality and free mobility of people and goods .
Too late to backtrack
And yet European car manufacturers themselves will not contest the European Union’s decision to ban fossil fuel vehicles within a decade, regardless of who prevails at the polls. This was stated by Luca de Meo, president of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (Acea), during the Geneva motor show. “We are not contesting 2035,” de Meo said. According to the CEO of the Renault group, in fact, it is now too late to backtrack: tens of billions have been invested in a technology that may never represent the total offering but will still be the “dominant” one. As for the ice ban in 2035, “it is potentially feasible, but the right conditions must be in place”, warned de Meo.
Pressure on European industry
Meanwhile, the decline in demand has increased pressure on European industry. Last week Mercedes-Benz halved its 2030 goal: 50% electric and no longer 100%. All manufacturers, especially those that focus on volumes, are strenuously committed to reducing costs and developing more accessible models, while the Chinese arrive in Europe with cheaper models.
Policy must ensure greater subsidies and more widespread charging networks to encourage the adoption of battery-powered cars. Furthermore, Brussels will not be able to overlook the fact that energy in Europe costs “three times compared to the United States and three times compared to China”. The condemnation to succumb, for a competing industry.