√Auto industry pushes back on strict European emissions laws

The European Union is facing strong opposition to a proposal for even stricter emissions regulations as the deadline looms.

Some of the world’s largest car companies have voiced their opposition to a proposal by the European Union to introduce more environmental restrictions on new cars.

Announced in November 2022, the proposed laws – known as ‘Euro 7’ – aim to reduce tailpipe emissions from both petrol and diesel vehicles, as well as mandating the amount of particulate matter from tyres and brakes.

New cars would be required to comply with the new rules by mid-2025 – with vans, trucks, buses to meet the same regulations in 2027.

Now, the automotive industry has come forward to denounce the proposals during the consultation period, with a number of key players warning as many as 300,000 jobs are at risk if the laws were to be enacted.

“In its current form, the (European Union’s) Euro 7 proposal contains completely unrealistic time targets,” a spokesman for Volkswagen told German publication Automobilwoche, adding it was “not feasible in terms of deadlines for the manufacturers.”

A spokesperson for BMW echoed the sentiments, telling Automobilwoche: “Euro 6 and in particular Euro 6d are effective and already cover 95 per cent of all statistically relevant driving situations,” resulting in air quality being measurably improved, the company said.

“However, the (European Union’s) draft focuses precisely on such special cases – instead of reducing the limits for everyday traffic more strongly, as proposed by the (European Automobile Manufacturers Association).”

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“Complying with Euro 7 would bring cost increases that could deter customers from buying these new cars,” warned Renault CEO and President of the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, Luca De Meo.

Mr De Meo says the cost of compliance would result in cars being, on average, €2000 ($AU3120) more for the customer – reducing new-car sales by seven to 10 per cent.

“This could extend the life span of the fleet: meaning older cars, with higher emissions, staying longer on the roads.”

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