Stellantis Pushes for CO₂ Rule Delay, Backs Affordable Euro Cars

Right now, Stellantis is facing growing pressure to reduce CO₂ emissions from its commercial vehicle lineup. The EU is preparing to tighten regulations for vans, but Imparato says the timeline is simply too aggressive.

Stellantis, like other automakers, is trying to walk a fine line: comply with new green regulations without pricing itself—and its customers—out of the market. Many delivery fleets and small businesses still rely on combustion-powered vans and can’t yet afford to go electric.

At the same time, Stellantis is throwing its support behind a new idea that could change the game for budget-conscious drivers across Europe. The company is backing proposals to create a new vehicle class for small cars priced under €15,000 (about $17,655). The goal? Give people an affordable alternative to rising new car prices, while keeping emissions in check with smaller, more efficient vehicles.

With car prices skyrocketing across Europe in recent years—especially as electrification ramps up—many consumers are being priced out of the market. Stellantis thinks a sub-€15K segment could be key to helping more people get into cleaner, newer vehicles.

The push for both more time and more affordability shows just how tough the current transition to EVs has become. Automakers are racing to comply with environmental rules, but without financial wiggle room or a strong enough EV market, it’s clear companies like Stellantis are looking for compromise.

Source: Reuters