Manfred Weber Vows to Overturn EU’s Combustion Engine Ban: What It Means for Drivers and the Future of Transport

The European People’s Party plans to propose an end to the ban on combustion engine cars and vans by 2035. Manfred Weber, the head of the center-right group in the European Parliament, shared this in a recent interview with the German daily Welt. He believes this legislation needs urgent revision to protect the local auto industry.

Weber stated, “I promise Europeans the end of the combustion engine phase-out.” He emphasized the need to secure jobs in the automotive sector, noting the “ideological mistakes” of past legislation that focused heavily on electric vehicles. The current law sets a goal for a 100% reduction in CO2 emissions from new cars by 2035, pushing the industry towards electric models.

Historically, the legislation faced significant resistance from countries like Germany, Italy, and Hungary. These nations pushed back against the final rules, concerned about the potential impact on their carmakers. Now, as Chinese electric car companies gain ground in Europe, local brands like Volkswagen and Renault are struggling to compete. This has sparked renewed calls for the EU to soften emission regulations.

Recent data shows that electric vehicle sales have surged by over 50% in Europe in the past year. Still, the push for combustion engine cars persists, fueled by fears over job losses in traditional auto manufacturing. It’s unclear how the European Commission will react to this proposed reversal, but the balance between environmental goals and economic stability is becoming more complex.

As this situation unfolds, many workers and industry leaders are closely monitoring these developments. Social media chatter reflects mixed feelings—some support a return to combustion engines for job security, while others remain committed to reducing emissions for environmental reasons.

For a deeper dive into this topic, check out more insights from the European Commission.

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