EU emissions targets ‘totally unrealistic’, say carmakers

The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has expressed ‘serious concerns’ about what they call the ‘totally unrealistic’ CO2 targets set by the EU Parliament for the years 2025 and 2030.

EU member countries and the European Parliament struck a deal on Monday that they say will help the EU meet its Paris climate accord commitments.

The targets will mean all new cars sold in 2030 must emit 37.5% less carbon dioxide on average compared to 2021 levels. Emissions from new vans will have to be 31% lower. There was also a target set for a 15% cut for cars and vans by 2025.

In a statement, ACEA said the ‘extremely ambitious’ CO2 targets will have a ‘seismic’ impact on jobs across the entire automotive value chain, which they say employs over 13 million Europeans.

Erik Jonnaert, ACEA Secretary General, added: ‘ACEA’s members are of course committed to further reducing CO2 emissions from their vehicles, but these targets will be extremely demanding on Europe’s auto industry.

‘Indeed, they will require a much stronger market uptake of electric and other alternatively-powered vehicles than is currently proving possible.’

He added that policymakers need to act swiftly by presenting concrete plans to manage this employment and skills transition in a ‘proper, socially-acceptable way.’

MaroÅ¡ Å efčovič, the European Commission’s vice-president for energy union, called the agreement ‘another credible step in the implementation of the Paris agreement but also another decisive step in support of the long-term competitiveness of European industry.’