The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has responded to criticism of its position on the EU’s upcoming car CO₂ regulation review, saying its call for adjustments reflects “market realities, not a retreat from ambition”.
In a statement issued following analysis by campaign group Transport & Environment (T&E), ACEA said its position paper, submitted to the European Commission as part of the ongoing consultation, sets out a “technologically neutral” approach to reaching climate goals, while recognising current economic and industrial challenges.
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“Europe’s carmakers are fully committed to electrification,” ACEA said, citing hundreds of billions of euros in investment and nearly 300 zero-emission vehicle models already on the market. “We are not contesting the targets, the market realities contest them.”
According to ACEA, battery electric vehicles accounted for less than 16% of EU car sales in 2024, while the figure for vans remains below 9%. The group argues that consumer demand, infrastructure readiness and Europe’s industrial resilience must all align if the bloc is to meet its 2050 climate neutrality target.
The association also pointed to recent remarks by former European Central Bank president Mario Draghi, whose assessment supports a review of the 2035 deadline. Draghi said the policy “was meant to trigger a virtuous circle” of investment and innovation, but “this has not happened”. He warned that charging point installation must accelerate “three- to fourfold” to achieve adequate coverage, while European innovation “has lagged” and EV models “remain expensive”.
“The upcoming review of the CO₂ emissions regulation should follow a technologically neutral approach and take stock of market and technological developments,” Draghi said.
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By GlobalDataACEA said it continues to support the EU’s long-term climate objectives but emphasised the need for pragmatic policymaking. “Aligning ambition with market and industrial realities is essential to preserve Europe’s competitiveness,” the group noted.
The European Commission is expected to present its legislative proposal for the review by the end of 2025.
