Since the beginning of 2025, the European Union has tightened its requirements for CO2 emissions. Manufacturers must now achieve an average of 81 grams per kilometre or face heavy financial penalties. To meet this requirement, around 25% of vehicle sales must be 100% electric models. However, demand for these engines remains below expectations, reaching 18% in France but only 5% in Italy. Faced with this situation, several manufacturers have asked for a delay in order to avoid excessive penalties. Europe has listened to these concerns and has decided to spread the application of this standard over three years, an initiative welcomed by Stellantis.
Three-year smoothing for more flexibility
The European Commission has decided to spread the application of its CO2 quotas over three years. This measure allows manufacturers to better adapt their transition without penalising those who have already invested in electrification. While Citroën, with its electric models such as the ë-C3 and ë-C3 Aircross, was well positioned to meet these targets, other brands were much less so, with the potential for heavy fines.
Nevertheless, Stellantis welcomed this approach, which it sees as a significant step forward in maintaining the competitiveness of the automotive sector while pursuing environmental objectives. This flexibility also helps to support the transition by giving consumers more time to adopt electric vehicles, in particular through more accessible offers better adapted to their needs. In addition, this development could allow the maintenance or even the return of certain thermal or hybrid engines to meet current market demand.
Further steps to strengthen the European car industry
In addition to the smoothing of CO2 quotas, the European Commission has announced other initiatives to strengthen the continent's automotive industry. Among these, innovation plays a key role, particularly in the field of software and autonomous driving. Stellantis, which is already investing heavily in these technologies, highlights its recent partnership with Mistral AI as proof of its commitment.
In addition, the European Union is considering direct support for battery manufacturers in order to develop a robust and independent European sector. The creation of "European champions" in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence and access to key raw materials is also on the agenda. Stellantis sees these measures as essential elements to ensure the competitiveness and independence of the European automotive industry.
Stellantis believes that these regulatory adjustments and initiatives represent a positive step forward for the entire sector. They allow manufacturers to operate in a more flexible framework while continuing the energy transition. The Group reiterates its commitment to electrification and highlights the efforts made to offer affordable electric vehicles, such as the new Citroën ë-C3.
These decisions by the European Commission make it possible to better support market players without destroying the progress made by those who have already invested in electric vehicles. For once, the regulatory adjustments take into account industrial and economic realities, an approach that Stellantis welcomes and encourages.
The future of the European car market will now depend on the ability of manufacturers to accelerate electrification while meeting consumer expectations. Thanks to this smoothing of CO2 quotas and the support measures announced, the transition to more sustainable mobility can be made in a more gradual and balanced way.
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