Stellantis Not Ready for Full Electric Vehicle Transition

The head of Stellantis says Germany’s proposals are critical for reviving Europe’s auto industry amid slow electric vehicle market growth and mounting competition from China.

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa expressed support for Berlin’s call to relax European Union rules regulating car emissions, Reuters reports.

The European Commission is set to unveil a package of measures to support the auto sector on December 10, including a review of carbon emissions targets and potentially allowing greater use of plug-in hybrids, as well as new internal combustion engine vehicles beyond 2035. Brussels is facing pressure from both governments and major manufacturers demanding more flexibility.

“We welcome the German government’s support for reviewing European regulations,” Filosa said, emphasizing that regulatory adjustments are needed to “restore growth in the European automotive industry.”

Last week, it was reported that German automakers and the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association had urged the EU to ease rules aimed at accelerating the shift to electric vehicles. They argue that a sudden move away from combustion engines, amid slow EV adoption and stiff competition from China, could hurt the industry.