By GB News (World News) | Created at 2024-12-12 12:26:43 | Updated at 2024-12-12 14:33:02
2 hours ago
One of the largest political parties in the European Union is calling for major changes to be made to weaken the impact of vehicle emissions targets.
At present, the European Union will ban the sale of any new vehicles which emit CO2 by 2035 to meet its goal of having the transport sector be carbon neutral by 2050.
Dutch MEP Jan Huitema, who drafted the report on the EU's CO2 standards for new vehicles, noted that most people would opt for electric cars, but hydrogen and e-fuels would also be a "good solution".
The centre-right European People's Party (EPP) is calling on Brussels, automakers and national governments to boost the manufacturing sector by "reversing" the 2035 ban.
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The EU could be pressured into watering down targets to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars
GETTY/PA
This would allow for the sale of combustion engine cars that run on biofuels and other alternative fuels beyond 2035, according to Reuters.
The EPP added that further support should be given to support plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as calling on the EU to launch a review of the 2035 policy as soon as next year.
It points to continued turmoil across the continent with manufacturers making massive job cuts and unions leading mass strike action at some of the biggest factories around Europe.
Speaking earlier this week, Renault boss Luca de Meo, who also leads the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), said the current policy meant the car sector could face €15billion (£12.36billion) in net zero fines.
Vauxhall's Luton van factory will be shut down following restructuring by parent company Stellantis
REUTERS
They added: "We're committed to delivering greener transport by supporting the transition to electric vehicles.
"We will provide certainty to manufacturers by restoring the 2030 phase-out date for new petrol and diesel cars, and are committed to accelerating the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure."
