The European Parliament has set the light on green for a relaxation of the CO2 reduction objectives for car manufacturers. For example, the European Union wants to prevent the sector from being confronted with fines this year.
The European Hemisphere voted in Strasbourg on Thursday with 458 against 101 votes (14 abstentions) for the smoother rules. A day before, the Member States had also agreed to the European Commission’s proposal. They now only have to officially ratify the text.
Normally the industry this year had to get stricter emission standards for new cars and vans (a fleet average of 93.6 grams of CO2 per kilometer). That standard continues to apply, but is spread over time. Compliance will be assessed over a period of three years (up to and including 2027).
The European automotive sector is currently due to heavy weather and the spread gives the constructors release. For example, it is avoided that those who do not yet get the standard must immediately cough up heavy fines. According to the umbrella organization ACEA, they could have risen to 16 billion euros.