Decarbonising road transport is our shared goal, but the route to get there must be feasible for businesses. CLEPA, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers, has released a new position paper, marking the supply industry’s defining contribution to the ongoing debate over the revision of the EU’s CO₂ emission standards for cars and vans. While firmly backing the EU’s climate neutrality targets, the paper warns that the current regulatory roadmap is colliding with market reality. A slower-than-expected electric vehicle uptake, insufficient charging infrastructure, and mounting economic pressures have triggered an acute industrial crisis. With the sector losing an average of 142 jobs per day since 2024 and 76% of suppliers operating on profit margins below 5%, the current framework risks hollowing out Europe’s industrial base. The revision represents a critical opportunity to correct course and actively support innovation, ensuring the transition is both realistic and achievable. To bridge the gap between regulatory ambition and market reality, CLEPA’s position paper puts forward a series of actionable recommendations:
- Recognise the decarbonisation role of electric plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and electric range extender vehicles (EREVs)
- Capitalise on the immediate emissions-saving potential of renewable fuels
- Optimise the super-credits mechanism to boost EU manufacturing and electrification
- Maximise low-carbon steel credits through early application
- Introduce a Low-Temperature BEV range to Vehicle Label to build consumer trust
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Download the full paper to find out more
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