欧盟汽车业救市方案为何“难产”

Core Viewpoint - The EU is currently in a heated debate regarding the future of the automotive industry, particularly focusing on the adjustment of the 2035 "ban on combustion engines" as part of a comprehensive package aimed at reducing emissions and facilitating the transition to electric vehicles. This package has been delayed due to disagreements among member states, highlighting the tension between climate commitments and industrial survival [2][3][4]. Group 1: Current Industry Crisis - The European automotive industry is facing a crisis characterized by factory closures and increasing layoffs, making the comprehensive package a potential "rescue plan" [2]. - The EU's internal divisions are stark, with countries like Germany and Italy advocating for a more lenient approach to the 2035 ban, while France and Spain insist on maintaining the zero-emission target to protect industrial leadership [2][6]. - The European Commission predicts that the proposed policies could lead to over €300 billion in investments in emerging industries like batteries and electric motors, creating 1.2 million jobs [4]. Group 2: Policy Adjustments and Industry Response - In March 2023, the EU Council passed a historic proposal to ban the sale of non-zero-emission vehicles starting in 2035, requiring a 55% reduction in CO2 emissions for new cars from 2030 to 2034 compared to 2021 levels [3]. - The automotive sector's transition has not met expectations, with a significant drop in electric vehicle sales, particularly in Germany, where sales fell by 27.4% year-on-year due to the termination of purchase subsidies [4][5]. - The EU Commission has postponed the annual carbon emissions assessment for new cars from 2025 to 2027, signaling a compromise with industry realities [5]. Group 3: Diverging National Interests - Countries like Germany and Italy are pushing for the retention of internal combustion engine options post-2035, citing the need to balance climate goals with industrial competitiveness [5][6]. - Eastern European countries, including Slovakia, are advocating for a longer transition period and special funds for worker retraining, as their economies heavily rely on traditional fuel vehicle production [6]. - In contrast, France and Spain are focused on maintaining the zero-emission target, viewing the transition to electric vehicles as essential for industrial advancement and climate goals [7]. Group 4: Local Manufacturing and Policy Framework - France has proposed increasing the local sourcing of automotive parts to 75% for electric vehicles sold in Europe, aligning with current levels for internal combustion vehicles [8][9]. - The EU is considering setting a local manufacturing threshold of up to 70% for key goods, including automobiles, as a condition for public procurement and subsidies [9]. - The EU Commission is navigating between various national interests, likely leading to further flexibility in the "ban on combustion engines," potentially allowing hybrid and range-extended vehicles to continue sales post-2035 under certain conditions [9].