In the corridors of the European Commission, the idea of granting flexibility to manufacturers is slowly (but surely?) gaining ground. For months now, the automobile sector, under the leadership of Luca de Meo, CEO of Renault and later head of the ACEA automobile lobby, has been warning about the dangers of the new standards on C02 emissions, which came into force at the beginning of the century. XIX. ‘year.
If manufacturers do not sell just over 20% of electric cars by 2025, they will face heavy fines, up to 15 billion euros according to the ACEA. The sector’s message seems to have been heard in Brussels, with one option especially on the table: that of softening the fines over several years. The idea would be to calculate the sanctions on manufacturers in two or three years to give them time to organize.
Several commissioners convinced
This solution even attracts the French government, which has been maneuvering for several weeks to help the sector get a break.
“This would allow manufacturers to avoid making provisions in their accounts or buying carbon credits from purely electric players,” we slide.
Stellantis, Ford and even Toyota have already started negotiations with Tesla in this direction.
In Brussels, “several commissioners are now convinced of the urgency of acting,” says a source. The number 2 of the European Commission, Teresa Ribera, would also have agreed with this opinion. “Proposals to relax fines have been on Ursula von der Leyen’s table since December 20,” explains this same source. “Now it’s her turn to decide.”
“The problem must be resolved before the opening of the strategic dialogue on the future of the automobile, scheduled for this month,” we continue to believe.
The silence of Ursula von der Leyen
Although a date has not yet been set, the entire sector is eagerly awaiting the opening of a dialogue. According to our information, two topics will be at the center of the debates. First of all, the question of the relationship with China.
“Without closing the doors to Chinese manufacturers, we will have to set certain limits, make them respect certain criteria if they invest in Europe,” explains a specialist in Brussels.
For example, ensuring that Chinese manufacturers based on the mainland do not carry out hidden production to avoid customs duties.
Another topic of discussion, and no less important, is that of safeguarding the automobile industry in general, with several avenues mentioned: European ecological bonus, legislation on the greening of fleets or even the establishment of a minimum price for charging stations. electrical.
So many long-term issues that risk being parasitized by CO2 fines. “If this problem is not resolved before the opening of the dialogue, it will be a failure,” they say in Brussels. In Paris, Ursula von der Leyen’s silence also bothers more than one. Some now consider his silence a “political mistake.”
Source: BFM TV
