ACEA welcomes CO2 relief, long-term strategy now essential

The proposed three-year averaging framework offers car and van manufacturers much-needed flexibility in meeting CO2 targets at this important moment in our transition toward zero-emission mobility, accommodating fluctuations in market demand and production cycles. This approach is particularly important given the ongoing lack of enabling conditions and the impact this is having by causing slower-than-needed consumer uptake of electric models. 

“The introduction of a three-year averaging mechanism is a step in the right direction that acknowledges the complexities and the ongoing difficulties of the automotive market, with slow market uptake and a lack of domestic value chain for batteries,” stated Sigrid de Vries, ACEA Director General. “While this provides some necessary flexibility for manufacturers in the short term, we need a long-term decarbonisation strategy including more charging stations, purchase and tax incentives, fairer energy prices while keeping the industry a competitive powerhouse and securing the EU’s strategic autonomy on critical technologies. We look forward to discussing this during the next Strategic Dialogue with the European Commission.” 

The upcoming review of the CO2 regulation for cars and vans envisaged under the EU’s Automotive Action Plan must be robust and comprehensive. Immediate flexibilities alone are not sufficient to get the transition back on track, and the review will be an essential element of framing a long-term decarbonisation strategy.  

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) welcomes both the European Parliament’s and Council’s support for a three-year averaging mechanism for emissions compliance for cars and vans.