Overview
- German chancellor Friedrich Merz asked the European Commission to allow plug-in hybrids, range-extender models and other highly efficient combustion cars beyond 2035, arguing for a technology‑neutral approach under competitive pressure from China.
- The push has backing inside Germany, with Social Democrats in parliament and the VDA industry group welcoming efforts to secure flexibility for manufacturers and jobs.
- France and Spain have previously signaled they want the EU to keep the 2035 phaseout of new petrol and diesel car sales without concessions.
- Volvo and Polestar executives urged Brussels to hold the line, warning that delaying the deadline would slow EV uptake and hand market advantage to Chinese rivals.
- Environmental campaigners criticized efforts to dilute the rule, while Audi’s chief executive called resistance to the transition counterproductive; the EU’s 2035 ban remains approved and unchanged.