Stellantis Backs Germany On E.U. Emissions

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa is stepping into the center of Europe’s emissions battle — and he’s siding with Germany. With the European Commission preparing a major regulatory review, Filosa says it’s time to rethink how the industry transitions to cleaner mobility while keeping the automotive sector alive.

Germany recently urged Brussels to allow greater flexibility beyond the European Union’s (E.U.’s) current plan requiring all new cars sold after 2035 to be fully zero-emission. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and advanced combustion engines, Berlin argues, will still be necessary as Europe faces slower-than-expected electric vehicle (EV) growth and rising competition from China.

Filosa praised the move, saying it aligns with the realistic needs of automakers struggling to maintain momentum amid high electrification costs. As he put it: “We welcome the German government’s support for revisions to the European regulations,” adding that the proposals are “urgently needed to return the European auto industry to growth.”

Stellantis has grown more vocal since its leadership change last year. What’s driving their urgency? Jobs, affordability, and long-term survival.

Stellantis Chairman John Elkann warned Europe’s auto sector could crumble if lawmakers do not give manufacturers more room to adapt. Standing in Turin, he cautioned: The European car industry risks an ”irreversible decline.”

Stellantis is pushing a broader initiative that includes:

• Flexibility on emissions compliance timelines

• Support for small, affordable vehicles

• Revised rules for light commercial vans

• Faster fleet renewal incentives

The company argues these adjustments would help preserve manufacturing jobs and restore competitiveness while still advancing environmental goals. With the European Commission set to unveil its revised auto industry package on December 10, the stakes are high.

Filosa and Elkann aren’t calling for a rollback of climate policy — they’re calling for a balanced one. Their message is clear: Europe cannot lead the green transition if its automakers can’t survive it.

Source: Reuters