In recent weeks, there has been a surge in discussions regarding the European Union’s stance on phasing out thermal power by 2035. However, the German Automobile Industry Association is cautioning against premature conclusions.
According to the VDA, the principal association representing the German automotive sector, there has been no shift in the current situation.
Despite speculations suggesting otherwise, the VDA has publicly reiterated Europe’s existing stance on the timetable for ending thermal energy. Simultaneously, the German automotive industry and its suppliers are actively investing substantial sums in electric platforms.
The question arises: could there be a shift in Europe’s position regarding the 2035 deadline for the end of thermal energy? Luca de Meo, CEO of the Renault group, sparked controversy at the Geneva Motor Show by expressing doubts about meeting this deadline.
This discrepancy may appear surprising, especially given De Meo’s leadership of the ACEA, which holds a different stance.
Within a week, there was a notable change in tone, but it’s challenging to discern whether this shift originates from Renault’s CEO or ACEA’s leadership. Nonetheless, recent developments in Europe have hinted at a potential reconsideration of the combustion engine’s phase-out.
The VDA has stepped forward to provide clarity. The automotive industry association, representing the entire sector, emphasizes that ongoing negotiations in Europe do not pertain to the 2035 deadline but rather address different matters.
“The current reports circulating create confusion by mixing up various topics and attributing erroneous conclusions. This isn’t about regulating CO2 emissions from fleets or setting CO2 limits for newly registered vehicles. In a landscape where electric vehicles are experiencing robust growth and where several electric models in the Far East are cheaper than their combustion counterparts, clinging to outdated technology risks confining the automotive industry to a dwindling niche market. Continuing with this trajectory would render our car industry obsolete, unable to break free from outdated technology, potentially leading to hostile takeovers and factory closures.”
