Germany joins Italy to call for earlier revision of CO2 targets for cars

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on Euractiv or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Germany’s Economy Minister Robert Habeck has joined Italy’s call to accelerate the revision of the EU’s CO2 targets for cars
• Both nations want to move up the review of emissions standards from 2026 to 2025 to better align with industry shifts and economic challenges

🔭 The context: EU regulations require carmakers to reduce emissions by 15% by 2025, with further cuts leading up to a 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars
• Amid slowing sales in China and increased competition in electric vehicles, Germany and Italy are pushing for a faster revision to avoid financial penalties for the industry

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Revising CO2 targets is crucial for balancing industry competitiveness and climate goals, as the EU’s standards are key to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050
• The 2035 petrol car ban is vital for reducing transportation emissions

⏭️ What's next: The Italian government will propose this accelerated review at an upcoming conference, aiming to gather support from other EU countries, while the industry urges Berlin and Brussels to prioritize competitiveness

💬 One quote: “If you question [the petrol car ban], you question climate neutrality by 2050. I do not want that. Absolutely not,” said Robert Habeck

📈 One stat: German carmakers could face billions in fines if the 2025 emissions targets are not adjusted

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