Core Viewpoint - The European Commission has proposed to relax the 2035 ban on the sale of fuel vehicles, adjusting the new car "zero emissions" target to a "90% reduction" from 2021 levels, allowing some fuel vehicles to enter the market under specific conditions [1][2]. Group 1: Policy Changes - The European Council had previously passed a regulation in March 2023 to ban the sale of new fuel cars and small commercial vehicles starting in 2035, which was seen as a key strategy for decarbonizing the transport sector [2]. - The recent proposal allows for plug-in hybrid vehicles, range-extended vehicles, mild hybrid vehicles, and internal combustion engine vehicles to be sold after 2035, indicating a significant policy shift [2]. Group 2: Industry Reactions - Major automotive manufacturers from Germany and Italy, as well as companies like Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz, have pressured the EU for this policy change, arguing that a single-path transition could undermine the resilience and survival of the European automotive industry [2]. - German Chancellor Merz welcomed the proposal, stating it is a pragmatic and economically reasonable approach that aligns with current market realities [2]. Group 3: Criticism and Concerns - Some experts, like Ferdinand Dudenhöffer, criticized the proposal as the "worst possible solution," arguing it fails to provide a clear direction for industry transformation and may lead to hesitancy in corporate strategic decisions [3]. - Concerns were raised that the policy signals hesitation and compromise, potentially delaying investments and weakening innovation [3]. Group 4: Industry Challenges - The European automotive industry faces structural pressures, with electric vehicles accounting for only 16.4% of new car registrations from January to October this year, highlighting the immaturity of the electric vehicle market and insufficient charging infrastructure [4]. - Rising energy prices and additional tariffs from the U.S. have increased cost pressures, leading to profit declines for major German automakers like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen in the first three quarters of the year [4]. - The German automotive sector has seen a net job reduction of approximately 51,500 positions over the past 12 months, making it one of the most affected industrial sectors [4]. Group 5: Diverging Opinions - There are significant divisions within the EU regarding the adjustment of the fuel vehicle ban, with some member states and mainstream automakers advocating for "technological openness" to ensure planning security and avoid overly rigid policies that could undermine investment confidence [5]. - Conversely, some European automakers and environmental organizations oppose the policy relaxation, arguing it could slow down the transition and weaken Europe's long-term competitiveness in the new energy sector [5]. Group 6: Impact on Competitiveness - Executives from companies like Volvo and Polestar expressed concerns that policy reversals could undermine corporate confidence in EU regulations and damage climate goals, ultimately weakening European competitiveness [6]. - The European Transport and Environment Federation warned that reliance on internal combustion engines will not restore strength to European automakers, and poor decision-making could jeopardize the entire automotive industry [6].
【环球财经】欧盟汽车“禁燃令”缘何松动