Overview
- The European Commission is preparing to unveil a revised auto package as soon as Dec. 16, with options under discussion that include a five‑year extension, carve‑outs, or replacing a full ban with a high fleet CO₂‑reduction target.
- Reports citing Manfred Weber in Bild describe a potential 90% fleet CO₂ target for 2035 instead of 100%, a scenario still not formally adopted and subject to change.
- Automakers such as Stellantis and Mercedes‑Benz pressed for relief to avoid potential fines exceeding €1 billion, while Germany and other car‑producing countries sought to ease political tensions tied to jobs.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz argued Europe must safeguard industrial competitiveness to achieve climate goals, underscoring national pressure for regulatory flexibility.
- Analysts and campaigners warn that loosening the deadline could slow EV uptake and widen the gap with Tesla and Chinese rivals like BYD, while executives note that delays will not fix deeper issues such as high energy costs, slow permitting and limited local battery capacity.