Prague – The car manufacturer Škoda Auto proposes that the regulatory framework for the automotive industry should allow for the possible use of plug-in hybrids or alternative fuels alongside the transition to electric vehicles. This was stated by the chairman of the board of Škoda Auto Klaus Zellmer after a meeting with the Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček (STAN). The current EU plan envisages a gradual reduction of emission limits for manufactured vehicles and a complete ban on internal combustion engines from 2035.
“We see that customers still want to have a choice of different drive options. To remain economically successful, we need to respect these customer preferences and leave them open technological options on the path to decarbonizing the European vehicle fleet. In order to achieve this goal, we should actively explore other possibilities, including plug-in hybrids and alternative fuels, which should be taken into account in the regulatory framework,” said Zellmer in a press release.
The Czech Republic, along with Italy, called on the EU at the end of last year to accelerate the assessment of the realism of the goal to ban the sale of cars with internal combustion engines from 2035. Another point of the joint Czech-Italian proposal is the urgent need to address the threat of fines for not meeting the emission target set for 2025. “Postponing the revision of emission limits to 2025 (from 2026) and temporarily easing penalties is a step that will provide European manufacturers with the time needed to adapt and at the same time support investment in innovation and sustainable technologies. Our goal is to ensure that the transition to greener mobility is not at the expense of competitiveness and jobs,” noted the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Štěpán Hofman.
According to a member of the board of Škoda and the president of the Automotive Industry Association Martin Jahn, CO₂ regulation was set under different conditions and manufacturers have made every effort to meet them. “The year 2025 will be extremely challenging, and flexibility needs to be sought to avoid penalties, which will slow down the transformation. In addition, we need to rethink industrial policy to reduce production costs, specifically energy prices, support market demand, and motivate car manufacturers to further invest in new technologies, especially considering foreign competition,” added Jahn.
The Czech automotive industry directly and indirectly employs almost half a million people, accounts for 24 percent of the Czech Republic’s exports, and makes up nine percent of its GDP. The automotive industry is also essential for the European economy, employing more than 13 million people and accounting for 6.8 percent of total employment in the EU. (January 10)
