VDIK on strategic dialogue: Flexibility in fleet limits long overdue

By continuing the strategic dialogue, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is showing that she cares about the future of the automotive industry. The Association of International Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (VDIK) supports this long-overdue exchange. It is now important that we obtain clarity regarding CO2 regulation and the urgently needed flexibility of fleet limits.

“We need flexibility in fleet limits until the framework conditions for the ramp-up of electric mobility in Europe are in place. The targets can only be achieved if more drivers switch to electric mobility. However, for many average earners, this is not yet a viable option for everyday use, given the cost of electricity and the expansion of the charging infrastructure, especially in urban residential areas. That is why we now urgently need the review processes. The European Commission must now draw up a new timetable for fleet limits and adapt it to future developments in the framework conditions,” said VDIK President Imelda Labbé.

The VDIK welcomes von der Leyen’s strategic considerations to place greater emphasis on the availability of small and affordable electric cars in order to meet CO2 targets. In doing so, the EU Commission recognizes the need for action and points to a possible solution. With its large market volume, the small car segment plays a decisive role in affordable electric mobility and thus in meeting CO2 limits. Many European and international manufacturers such as Renault, Skoda, Cupra, Hyundai, and KIA already have affordable electric cars in the small car segment in their range or are currently showcasing their new models at the IAA in Munich.

Small cars are produced under enormous cost pressure. This is even more true for battery electric vehicles. The components for these vehicles, especially the batteries, are still very expensive, even though the price difference between electric cars and comparable combustion engine vehicles is now less than €3,000 on average, according to a study by the CAR Institute. The reason for this is the high discounts that manufacturers are offering in order to meet CO2 fleet limits. The considerable efforts and product initiatives of manufacturers in the economically challenging entry-level segment now need to be supported by political decisions. The European Union must now make the fleet limits more flexible and set a realistic timetable. This is the only way we can counteract the current uncertainty among customers and create planning security for the automotive industry.