Car industry European Automobile Association: EU shoots itself in the foot with climate penalty
The President of the European Automobile Association Acea, Luca de Meo, warns of the consequences of possible EU climate penalties for car manufacturers. These billion-euro fines are another example of how Europe is "shooting itself in the foot", he said in Brussels.
10.12.2024, 17:42
10.12.2024, 17:54
SDA
The money - de Meo spoke of several billion - could not be invested in innovation, criticized the head of the lobby association.
"We can all see that the challenges facing Europe are even greater than we expected," said de Meo. He cited the rise of the Chinese electric car industry and the fact that protectionism is back in fashion as examples. When asked about the role of e-fuels in the future, de Meo said that this was not as pressing an issue as the challenges in the coming year.
Penalties for emitting too much CO₂
Under current EU legislation, car manufacturers face fines if they exceed the so-called fleet limits for CO₂ emissions. The limits are set to become stricter in 2025. Manufacturers will have to pay a fine for emitting too much CO₂.
On the sidelines of talks with members of the new EU Commission in Brussels, German Economics Minister Robert Habeck said that the fleet limit value targets should be maintained. However, he reiterated his position that fines should be spread out and, if necessary, offset against overfulfillment of the quotas in subsequent years.
"I think that's fine if you don't take billions more out of the companies in this difficult situation for the automotive industry," said the Green politician. This should rather be invested in the ramp-up of e-mobility, for example.
