Swedish Automakers Push Back Against German Pressure on EU's 2035 Petrol Car Ban

As Germany intensifies its efforts to persuade the European Commission to reconsider the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel car production, Swedish automakers Volvo and Polestar are advocating for the original timeline to remain intact. They argue that delaying the ban could hinder the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and give an advantage to Chinese manufacturers.

The Guardian

Michael Lohscheller, the German-born CEO of Polestar, emphasizes the urgency of maintaining the 2035 deadline, stating, “Pausing 2035 is just a bad, bad idea.” He warns that if Europe does not lead in the EV transition, other countries will take the initiative. Håkan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo, echoes this sentiment, arguing that slowing down electrification would only widen the competitive gap with China, which is rapidly expanding its automotive manufacturing capabilities in Eastern Europe.

The Guardian

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for a more flexible approach, suggesting that the European Commission should allow the production of hybrid and highly efficient combustion engine cars beyond 2035. He claims this would reflect a “technology-neutral way” to protect the climate. In contrast, Lohscheller and Samuelsson assert that extending the timeline for combustion engines would undermine consumer confidence in EVs and jeopardize jobs in the European automotive sector.

The Guardian

Michael Bloss, the Green’s rapporteur at the European Parliament, criticizes Merz’s demands, arguing they would “completely gut” the EU's hard-fought legislation aimed at phasing out internal combustion engines. Both Lohscheller and Samuelsson contend that any delay would send a negative message to consumers regarding the urgency of adopting electric vehicles.

The Guardian

The outcome of this debate could significantly impact the future of the European automotive industry. If the 2035 ban is postponed, it may slow the adoption of electric vehicles, allowing competitors, particularly from China, to gain a stronger foothold in the market. Samuelsson warns that the EU must not only maintain its commitment to electrification but also innovate to address consumer concerns about EV range, charging time, and price.

The Guardian

• “Pausing 2035 is just a bad, bad idea.” — Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar

The Guardian

• “If Europe doesn’t take the lead in this transformation, be rest assured, other countries will do it for us.” — Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar

The Guardian

• “I don’t see the logic in slowing down,” — Håkan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo

The Guardian

• “[If] we the car industry fulfil these three I think it [EV take up] will speed up. So I really don’t see a reason today to start questioning if 2035 is too fast. We have time. We need to speed this up not slow down.” — Håkan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo

The Guardian

The European Commission is expected to deliberate on the future of the 2035 ban amid ongoing discussions with member states. The positions of influential figures like Merz and the responses from industry leaders like Lohscheller and Samuelsson will likely shape the direction of EU automotive policy in the coming months.

The Guardian