The European Union has officially approved a relaxation of CO2 reduction targets for car manufacturers, extending the time frame from one year to three.
Previously, the industry was required to meet stricter emissions standards for new cars and vans this year, targeting a fleet average of 93.6 grams of CO2 per kilometre. While this standard remains, it will now be assessed over a three-year period, ending in 2027.
The approach allows manufacturers to offset any excess emissions by improving performance across the period, reducing the immediate risk of penalties.
The additional flexibility is part of the European Commission’s action plan for the automotive industry, developed after a strategic dialogue about the sector’s future in the face of significant competition from China.
Currently, the European automotive industry accounts for 7% of the GDP and employs approximately 14 million people.
The European Parliament approved the new regulation in May through an expedited procedure. The regulation will become effective 20 days after its publication in the EU Official Journal.
