Top CEOs call on EU to maintain zero emissions target for cars until 2035

CEOs and executives from 50 companies have called on the EU to maintain the zero-emission target for cars and vans by 2035. In a statement published at the end of September, the executives from the automotive, clean technology, transport and energy sectors - including Volvo Cars, Maersk, Uber and Europe's largest leasing company Ayvens - emphasize that the target is “feasible and necessary”.

“The 2035 target provides a clear direction that allows us businesses and all other stakeholders to focus on the transformation needed,” the statement on Industryfor2035.org reads. “It also provides much-needed investment certainty for the future of the automotive industry in Europe. ”

EV manufacturers Polestar and Rivian, as well as electricity supplier Iberdrola, retailer Tesco and IKEA's largest franchisee Ingka, have also signed the declaration. The signatories emphasize their commitment to the EU goal of climate neutrality by 2050 and point out that many of them have already invested massively to achieve this goal.

“We therefore call on decision-makers not to repeal the recently adopted CO2 standards for cars and vans in 2026 and to maintain the target of 100% zero emissions for passenger cars in 2035,” the statement continues.

Dominic Phinn, Head of Transportation at The Climate Group, said: “To drive the economic and industry changes needed to reduce emissions, CEOs and executives need regulatory stability. Their message to newly appointed EU policy makers is 'don't let us down'. Deviating from the agreed phase-out of combustion engine vehicles by 2035 would jeopardize their investments and fleet decarbonization targets.”

The companies emphasize that the zero-emission target for 2035 was given a democratic mandate by EU governments and MEPs in March 2023. They call for a focus on implementing the measures already agreed: targeted industrial policies and investment support for a sustainable local value chain for batteries, deployment of charging stations and clean power, greening company fleets and retraining workers for the transition to electric mobility.

Alex Keynes, Cars Policy Manager at Transport & Environment, said: “Changing the 2035 target would mean tearing up the map on which companies have based their investment. Instead, we should support the transition with a green car plan that focuses on accelerating the roll-out of charging points and increasing demand through faster fleet electrification. Local, clean battery manufacturing must also be supported.”

Emissions from cars and vans account for more than an eighth (13%) of total greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. CO2 emissions from passenger cars increased by 6% between 2000 and 2019