ACEA welcomes Euro 7 vote, calls for ‘holistic regulatory framework’ for affordable mobility

Brussels – The European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) has welcomed the European Parliament's approval of the Euro 7 motor vehicle emissions regulation, but called for support towards meeting its requirements.

In a 13 March statement, the industry association said the vote cements “Europe’s place as the global pacesetter for emission standards for cars, vans, trucks, and buses.”

The regulation covers future-oriented challenges such as vehicle brake emissions for cars and vans and electric vehicle battery requirements, noted Sigrid de Vries, ACEA director general.

In particular, De Vries said, truck and bus manufacturers will face significantly more stringent rules, despite already facing the “rapidly approaching” 2030 decarbonisation targets “in the absence of vital enabling conditions.”

In its statement, ACEA stressed that emissions standards come at a critical moment as Europe’s vehicle industry shifts away from the combustion engine to electric powertrains.

The industry, it noted, faces “tougher competition from China and the US", increased costs of doing business in Europe, and "a patchwork regulatory framework that inevitably undermines Europe’s competitiveness".

To “truly realise” the ambitions of Euro 7, ACEA called on policy makers to “do more” to replace older, more polluting vehicles on roads with newer models equipped with the most advanced emission technology.

“This is not only about incentives to boost market uptake of newer vehicles, but also establishing a holistic regulatory framework that keeps mobility affordable for all Europeans,” the ACEA statement added.

For instance, decision makers will need to decide on key elements through secondary legislation.

Furthermore, ACEA said “several important inconsistencies in the text still need to be corrected in an appropriate way.”

The association said it would continue working to ensure “a realistic and proportionate Euro 7” that will balance environmental concerns and competitiveness.