Automakers are dissatisfied with the European Commission's decision not to ban internal combustion engines after 2035
Photo: EPA / CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF

Representatives of the automotive industry have criticized the European Commission's decision to ease the ban on internal combustion engines starting in 2035. This was reported by Financial Times.

Some managers believe that "catastrophic" changes will lead to higher car prices.

on December 16, the EU stated that refuse from a complete ban on internal combustion engines in new cars, which was to be introduced in 2035. Automakers in the EU will be required to reduce CO₂ emissions by 90% from 2035 instead of the previously set 100%. The remaining 10% can be compensated by using low-carbon steel made in the EU or CO₂-neutral synthetic fuel (e-fuel) or biofuels.

The publication noted that while some automakers initially welcomed the decision, many companies said that the emissions offset requirements would be too difficult to implement, as mandatory use of green steel and components labeled "made in Europe" in vehicles would be complicated and expensive.

"At a time when European economic strength is crucial, this whole package from Brussels is disastrous. What appears to be greater openness is fraught with so many obstacles that it risks remaining ineffective in practice," said Hildegard Müller, head of the automotive lobby at the German Association of the Automotive Industry.

European manufacturer Stellantis (Jeep, Fiat, and Peugeot brands) said the proposals do not address the electric transition for light commercial vehicles and do not provide enough flexibility to meet the 2030 emissions targets.

The company said that the model proposed by the commission "will not support the production of affordable cars for the vast majority of customers."

Matthias Schmidt, an automotive industry analyst, believes that gasoline cars will "become the Swiss haute couture watch of the automotive industry" given the additional costs of green steel and renewable fuels.

  • In August 2025, the Association of European Automobile Manufacturers (ACEA) and the European Automobile Suppliers Association (CLEPA) warned the European Commission to unrealistic goals set in terms of carbon dioxide emissions.