EU Commissioner pushes carmakers to keep producing combustion engines

Carmakers are being pushed by EU Internal Market Commissioner, Thierry Breton, to keep producing internal combustion engines in order to generate jobs and exports.

Last week, the final nail in the coffin for petrol and diesel cars was hammered in after the EU struck a deal requiring carmakers to reduce CO2 emissions by 100 per cent by 2035.

However, Breton is concerned that employment and vehicle affordability will be on the line if manufacturers decide to go all electric.

“I respect the fact that some are deciding to accelerate toward a 100 percent electric offer, but I also encourage manufacturers to continue to produce internal combustion cars, generate quality jobs and remain an export force,” said Breton speaking with Les Echos.

Stellantis raised a similar point saying the car market will collapse if the cost of electric vehicles remains so high, reports Automotive News Europe.

The Internal Market Comissioner said he wants a clause drawn up by 2026 which will effectively push the 2035 deadline back.