Following the announcement, in mid-June, of Stellantis’s departure from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA), which will become effective at the end of this year, another gap opens up in this group of lobby whose objective is to protect the interests of European vehicle manufacturers. Now it is Volvo who announces the departure of ACEA at the end of 2022, and it is likely that the bleeding will not end there.
Given the critical way in which ACEA reacted to the decision of the 27 countries of the European Union (EU) to ban the sale of vehicles equipped with combustion engines that emit COtwo since 2035, Volvo considers that its strategy for the future is no longer in line with the guidelines of the industry association. This Swedish manufacturer has already announced that, from 2030, it will only sell models equipped with electric motors, so it will hardly line up in the fight against EU decisions.
Volvo combustion engines end in 2030
Even before the measures aimed at banning combustion engine vehicles in 2035 were approved, ACEA had already expressed its concern and criticism of the regulations that were then on the table, requesting a relaxation of the measures. Essentially asking for more time for builders to adapt. But within ACEA, this position, which sought to keep current combustion engines in production, thus preventing manufacturers from being forced to make larger investments in electric mobility, began to be questioned by some important members. We refer to groups Volkswagen, Mercedes and Ford, which supported the Brussels proposals.
With the announcement of ACEA’s withdrawal, Volvo issued a statement stating that its “objectives are not aligned with the position defended by ACEA, nor with the way they are working at this stage, so it is preferable to follow a path different for now.” “. He also adds that “how we act as a sector will play an important role in the planet’s ability to fight climate change”.
Like Stellantis, who promised to stay active through her new Freedom of Mobility ForumAfter its departure from ACEA in December, Volvo, through its CEO, Jim Rowan, has already admitted to being “prepared to join a new group that represents the manufacturers with more positive positions in climate terms”.
ACEA, for its part, continues to promise to “maintain a strong voice in defending the interests of European vehicle manufacturers”. With the departure of Volvo and Stellantis, which is the second European car group, it remains to be seen the positions of the first and third European groups, VW and Renault, respectively, in this matter. Both are committed to electric mobility.
Source: Observadora
