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Italy continues to ask the EU to consider alternative solutions to the continent’s ban on combustion engine car sales from 2035 as its domestic automotive industry struggles with the transition.
Italy continues to urge the European Union (EU) to revise its 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel-powered car sales, with the country’s automotive industry struggling to transition into low-emission vehicles amidst declining sales and increased competition from foreign car makers.
According to a draft document seen by global news outlet Bloomberg, Italy is asking the EU to consider a “broader array” of solutions beyond electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles as its domestic automotive industry “struggles to transition”.
Leadership figures in the Italian Federal government are asking the EU to review the legislation – which was passed in March 2023 – in 2025 instead of the planned date in 2026.
The landmark ‘Green Deal’ law will require all car makers in Europe to reduce new-car tailpipe emissions by 55 per cent by 2030, with a 100 per cent reduction enforced from 2035, meaning the sales of any new petrol or diesel-powered will be prohibited.
“The industry is now at a critical juncture, facing significant challenges related to production, employment, and global competition, which require urgent and coordinated action at the EU level,” the draft document stated, as per the Bloomberg report.
“The competitiveness of Europe’s automotive industry must remain a central focus of EU policy.”
However, not all Italian manufacturers are struggling with the EU's decision to prioritise hybrids and battery-powered cars, with Lamborghini recording its largest profit margins in the brand's 60-plus year history.
As previously reported by Drive, Lamborghini delivered 8411 in the first nine months of 2024, equating to €2.43 billion ($AU3.95 billion) in revenue and €678 million ($AU1.1 billion) in operating profit.
Italy isn’t the only country or Governmental party to oppose the ban, with the likes of Germany, the Czech Republic and the European People’s Party (EPP) calling for the law to be revised.
As previously reported by Drive, the EPP has pushed for the EU to allow the sales of new cars that are powered by zero-emission fuels like biofuels and synthetic fuels, with an internal draft document seen by Reuters stating it wants the laws to allow “cutting-edge combustion technology”.
It is worth noting the EU has finalised increasing tariffs on Chinese-built electric vehicles by up to 45 per cent, with individual car makers subjected to varying rates.
Ethan Cardinal graduated with a Journalism degree in 2020 from La Trobe University and has been working in the fashion industry as a freelance writer prior to joining Drive in 2023. Ethan greatly enjoys investigating and reporting on the cross sections between automotive, lifestyle and culture. Ethan relishes the opportunity to explore how deep cars are intertwined within different industries and how they could affect both casual readers and car enthusiasts.
