EU Car Manufacturers Call for Emissions Rule Changes

The European Commission has warned that EU countries are falling short of their 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, prompting calls for faster action from lawmakers. In response, Volkswagen's supervisory board chairman, Hans Dieter Pötsch, urged the EU to relax stringent emissions standards, arguing that the market is not yet ready for the rapid transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Pötsch highlighted that current sales of EVs are stagnating and that the necessary infrastructure is lacking to support ambitious CO2 targets. Industry leaders, including Renault's CEO, echoed concerns that failure to meet these targets could result in fines of up to €15 billion, jeopardizing Europe's automotive industry. Pötsch emphasized the need for political support and infrastructure development to facilitate the shift towards electromobility. The debate highlights a critical tension between environmental goals and the economic realities faced by automakers in Europe.