Truckmakers Urge EU to Delay Emissions Rules

European truck and bus manufacturers, including brands such as DAF Trucks, Daimler Truck, Iveco and Scania, have called on the European Union to grant a three-year postponement of the CO2 emission reduction targets scheduled for 2030.

Under current EU rules, automakers must reduce emissions from new heavy-duty vehicles by 43% by 2030 and by up to 90% by 2040; otherwise, they face heavy fines. However, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association points out that zero-emission vehicles currently account for only 2.4% of new registrations, which is significantly below the required level.

Manufacturers argue that the transition to zero-emission transportation is primarily hindered by an insufficient network of charging stations, slow charging speeds and high energy prices. At the same time, they are calling on policymakers to support infrastructure investments by reinvesting revenues from emissions trading and tolls.

This initiative comes at a time when EU authorities are also reevaluating the planned ban on the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines starting in 2035, under pressure from the declining competitiveness of the entire sector.

(Reuters, max)