Auto CEOs discuss climate change with EU Commission VP
March 25, 2021
CEOs of European carmakers recently met with the European Commission vice president for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans, under the umbrella of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), for a discussion on climate change and the parts to be played by both the car manufacturers and government.
The meeting was held ahead of the upcoming reviews of the CO2 Regulation for cars and vans, as well as the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive (AFID).
“EU policy makers and the auto industry share the European Green Deal’s vision of climate neutrality by 2050,” stated Oliver Zipse, ACEA president and BMW CEO. “But the Green Deal needs to live up to its name; we need a real ‘deal’ between our industry and EU governments to achieve the overarching goal of lowering the CO2 emissions of the transport sector. On this path, every available technology needs to play its role.”
“We are bringing the required technology to the market at a very high pace and are committed to delivering more zero-emissions vehicles. But we need governments to deliver on the charging and refuelling infrastructure needed to power them at the same high pace. We are pleased that Mr Timmermans recognised that these tasks are intrinsically interconnected,” added Zipse.
From his perspective as a governmental regulator, Timmermans stated, “We need to move towards near-zero emission transport as soon as possible. It is an enormous challenge, but I am confident the European car industry is up to the task. Our car manufacturers are innovative and experienced in producing affordable cars. Our policies will be designed to support the shift: stricter emissions norms to boost the uptake of clean vehicles, and investments in charging infrastructure and battery production to support the already rapid growth. By managing this transition we will make it a just transition. And together we will make electric driving accessible to all.”
