New regulations are being prepared for the automotive industry within the European Union (EU). These changes aim to redefine carbon emission targets and support the industry, taking into account the demands of car manufacturers. These steps are of significant importance for the future of the automotive market in Europe.
Redaksiya, citing TRT Haber, reports that Europe's leading car manufacturers wanted the EU to soften its carbon emission targets, repeal the ban on the sale of internal combustion engine cars in 2035, and make the purchase of locally produced electric cars in European countries more attractive. These demands were aimed at supporting the industry's development and maintaining its competitiveness.
In line with the EU's climate goals, a law that will apply strict carbon emission standards for new cars was adopted by the European Parliament in 2023. This law stipulated that all new cars and light commercial vehicles sold in EU member states from 2035 onwards must be zero-emission. Consequently, the EU's ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine cars, which will take effect from 2035, will be softened. Rechargeable hybrids with internal combustion engines, range-extended vehicles, and mild hybrids with internal combustion engines will be allowed to be sold in EU countries after 2035. The target for car manufacturers to reduce exhaust emissions by 100% from 2035 onwards will be revised to 90%. The remaining 10% emission can be compensated for through the use of low-carbon steel produced in the EU, e-fuels, and biofuels.
EU countries, particularly those with advanced automotive manufacturing capabilities like Germany and Italy, had demanded a change in the target for all new cars sold within the EU from 2035 onwards to be zero-emission. Furthermore, the introduction of more small electric models into the European market will be encouraged. For this purpose, car manufacturers will be able to benefit from favorable loans for small and affordable electric cars produced in the EU. The European Commission has shared with the public a regulatory proposal called the "car package" that makes changes to emission rules for new cars. Bureaucratic processes in the industry will be reduced to alleviate the administrative burden and costs for European car manufacturers. According to the package, future targeted carbon emission standards for cars and light commercial vehicles will be changed. To support the battery industry in Europe, interest-free loans of 1.5 billion euros will be provided to the industry.