The future Euro 7 standard, currently under discussion, could push manufacturers to increase the cost of their vehicles by another 2,000 euros on average, the new president of the European Manufacturers Association (ACEA), Luca de Meo, estimated on Tuesday.
The CEO of Renault led a charge against the Euro 7 standard on Tuesday, under discussion after its presentation by the European Commission in November 2022, but already considered very favorable to the sector by environmental activists.
Brussels proposes, in particular, to make vehicle emissions tests more in line with real driving conditions and to set limits on the emission of particles caused by brake and tire wear.
The Euro 7 standard, applicable from 2025, would reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions from passenger cars and light commercial vehicles by 35% compared to the previous Euro 6 standard, according to the Commission.
+2000 euros on average depending on the sector
Manufacturers, already shaken by the electric revolution, want a minimum standard for these heat engines that will disappear by 2035.
A rule enacted under the Commission’s plan would increase the price of cars by an average of 2,000 euros for buyers, and could shrink the already-shabby European market by a further 7-10%, according to Lucas De Meo, which she wore during the press conference in Brussels.
“People will keep their cars longer and buy used cars instead of new cars,” the ACEA president described.
According to the Internal Market commissioner, Thierry Breton, this additional cost would only be “100 to 150 euros per vehicle”.
Deadlines too short for Renault
The automotive industry could achieve a much better cost-benefit ratio “by redirecting the enormous investment demanded by Euro 7 towards accelerated electrification, cheaper electric cars or less polluting fuels”, according to the president of the ‘ACEA.
“The deadlines are too short, the conditions are too broad: at Renault, they could lead to the closure of four factories in the short term,” Lucas De Meo threatened.
The ACEA, for its part, supported the European “green pact” for the industry, seen as a “response to the IRA”, the plan of massive subsidies of the United States to its industry. Text on critical raw materials (from rare earths to lithium) is also expected by the industry.
Source: BFM TV
