Three major European carmakers—Stellantis, Renault, and Volkswagen—are urging the European Union to ease up on strict CO2 rules. They want clearer and more stable regulations to help the region’s auto industry stay competitive and keep investing in local factories.
Renault Warns of Potential Production Cuts Without Flexibility
Renault CEO François Provost highlighted the risks if the current emissions targets remain unchanged. He said Renault might have to cut production by about 300,000 cars in Europe and drop some models to meet the 2030 rules. This is still a warning about what could happen, not a confirmed plan.
Provost explained that complying with these rules takes a lot of engineering resources. About 25% of Renault’s technical staff currently focus on regulatory compliance rather than designing new models or lowering costs. He wants more help from the EU so his team can concentrate on product development and supplier pricing, instead of only dealing with regulations.
Requests to EU Policymakers
Renault has proposed a 10-year pause on new emissions regulations and a freeze on penalties for excess CO2. The company also wants the EU to average CO2 targets over a five-year period (2028-2032) and allow plug-in hybrids to make up 20% of car sales by 2035. These plans have been submitted but haven’t been decided on yet.
Provost also called for stronger support for European battery manufacturing. He suggested possible help with plant operating costs and urged that investments from China benefit local suppliers, not just factories assembling imported parts.
Volkswagen and Stellantis Share Similar Views
Volkswagen CEO Oliver Blume emphasized the importance of international partnerships to share technology. He wants Europe’s carmakers to keep industrial know-how strong while making electric vehicles more affordable.
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa said automakers largely agree on 90% of the issues around emissions and regulation. He welcomed cooperation between France and Germany on these topics but stressed the need for quick compromises. Filosa pointed out that uncertainty about rules today makes it harder for companies to plan factories and new models for the future.
The Need for Clearer, More Flexible Rules
All three companies agree that Europe must give automakers a clearer and more predictable framework. They want rules that encourage local production while allowing flexibility in how emissions targets are reached. Their concern is that without this, European carmakers could lose ground to rivals elsewhere and hesitate to invest in the region’s factories and technology.
This joint call was made at the Paris Automotive Summit on October 13, 2026, as the continent’s car industry faces increasing pressure from tough environmental rules and global competition.
Source: clubalfa.it