New European auto emissions standards make 'no sense', Stellantis boss says
New European auto emissions standards make 'no sense', Stellantis boss says
The new European auto emissions standards have been criticised by the CEO of Stellantis, Carlos Tavares, who claims that they “make no sense”. The standards, which were introduced in January 2020, require car manufacturers to reduce their CO2 emissions by 37.5% by 2030. However, Tavares has argued that the standards are too strict and will force carmakers to produce electric vehicles, which are not yet profitable.
In a recent interview, Tavares stated that the new standards will “cost jobs” and make the industry less competitive. He suggested that the standards would be more effective if they were gradually introduced, allowing the industry time to adjust. Tavares also pointed out that the standards are not uniform across Europe, with some countries adopting more stringent targets than others.
The criticism from Tavares comes at a time when the European car industry is undergoing significant change. In recent years, carmakers have been investing heavily in electric and hybrid vehicles, in response to increased consumer demand and tighter emissions regulations. Stellantis, which was formed from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group in January 2021, has announced plans to invest €30 billion in electrification by 2025.
Despite this, Tavares has expressed concern that the industry is moving too quickly towards electric vehicles, which are currently more expensive to produce than traditional petrol and diesel cars. He argues that carmakers should have more time to develop the technology and make it more affordable.
The debate over the new emissions standards is likely to continue, as car manufacturers adapt to the changing regulatory environment. While some may share Tavares’ concerns, others will see the standards as a necessary step towards reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change. As the industry continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the standards will prove effective in achieving their goals.