Several large car manufacturers want to use special “emergency rules” within the EU to avoid paying emission fines of a staggering SEK 150 billion.
When the EU tightens the rules for carbon dioxide emissions from new passenger cars, all manufacturers who do not meet the requirements will be forced to pay high fines.
According to a review carried out in August, Volkswagen and Ford are the worst when it comes to meeting the targets. Volvo, on the other hand, seems to be doing well.
Now the car manufacturers’ own trade association, Acea, wants the EU’s requirement of a maximum of 95 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer on average already next year to be postponed until 2027.
In a lobby letter written by Acea, the EU should use a type of emergency regulation to postpone the goal. That type of regulation should only be used where immediate measures are required to deal with a crisis or emergency in, for example, security, economy or society.
150 billion
If the EU adheres to the emission requirements, car manufacturers will either have to stop the production of two million cars, which affects the economy and jobs, or be forced to pay a fine of SEK 150 billion.
According to Acea, European car manufacturers are under severe pressure because the demand for electric cars has decreased and the competition from Chinese car manufacturers is “unfair”.
Acea’s members include BMW, Hyundai, Mercedes, Renault, Toyota and Volkswagen. However, Volvo Cars has chosen to leave the collaboration.
