ECG — 2025-03-03
News from ECG
“The European automotive industry is a backbone of European economy. The Green deal treats car makers badly. They need to walk a fine line of green regulations on one side and keeping competitiveness on the other. So far, they are losing this fight and we must make sure to have their backs.”.
MEP Alexandr Vondra, a member of the ECR Group and the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Climate, and Food Safety, states that the strategic dialogue on the automotive sector, hosted by the European Commission, has yielded little progress so far.
The green transition comes at a cost. How can this cost be distributed fairly to ensure it does not weaken European competitiveness? ECG advocates for clearer, more straightforward regulations that do not place excessive burdens on companies.
Imposing targets that push companies to transition to electric truck fleets—while OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers struggle to sell electric vehicles to fund this shift—does not make sense. Regulatory simplification, as emphasized in the 2024 Draghi report, is urgently needed.
“Enhancing efficiency is a top priority for our sector, and ECG is committed to supporting its members and OEMs,” says Wolfgang Göbel, President of ECG and a key speaker at the Dinner Debate, scheduled for 18 March 2025 in Brussels.
MEP Alexandr Vondra will host the event and serve as one of the keynote speakers. The debate will take place just days after the European Commission unveils its Action Plan to revitalize and enhance the competitiveness of the European automotive sector.
MEP Alexandr Vondra:
“The hot issue that must be resolved immediately is the penalty mechanism associated with the 2025 CO2 emission targets for car fleets. This must be revoked. We speak substantial amount of money. Manufacturers must have sufficient time to adjust to evolving market conditions without compromising their competitiveness against manufacturers from third countries. Otherwise, we face the risk of financial challenges and massive penalties could limit investment in innovation, including in zero-emission technologies, result in job losses in the EU.”
He continues:
“In long term, I argue for technological neutrality in the broadest sense. Europe cannot lock to electric vehicles only. We must support the innovation and diversification potential of alternative CO2 neutral fuels, in particular of e-fuels, sustainable biofuels and hydrogen combustion, as well as of technologies, such as plug-in hybrid vehicles with increasing electric range as viable alternatives for reducing emissions.”
As the EU shapes its future policies, a crucial question arises: Where does finished vehicle logistics (FVL) fit into this transformation? At the Dinner Debate, representatives from all major transport modes will take part. High-level members of ECG’s 200+ member companies—operating trucks, ships, and railway wagons—will discuss how they move millions of vehicles across Europe annually. This comes at a time of significant challenges: economic uncertainty for OEMs, fluctuating volumes, the transition to greener operations, and compliance with an ever-growing list of EU regulations.
Trucks:
A good example of how a directive has kept ECG busy for 20 years is the regulations of the length and weight of vehicles circulating within the EU. To put it simply: the industry needs a harmonized loaded length for vehicle transporters in the EU, which does not currently exist. If harmonized in the Directive on Weights and Dimensions, it would guarantee increased sustainable transport in the FVL industry. It would move away from a patchwork of national legislation for vehicle transporters. Today, companies operate in a fragmented market with varying national regulations. When Poland took over the Council presidency from Hungary in January 2025, the revision of the Directive was prioritized, marking a crucial step. Neringa Jasiulioniene, Director of FVL at MANVESTA, will provide insights on how the rules impact companies in the sector.
Another topic is electrification of trucks. Johannes Alexander Hödlmayr, CEO Hödlmayr, will share knowledge of how his company uses electric trucks and the challenges and advantages.
Ships:
From the maritime side, Marcos Duato, Director of Suardiaz Group, will provide insights on the ETS (Emissions Trading Systems) and FuelEU Maritime, regulations regarding reduced emissions, integration with alternative fuels within a specific time frame, the challenge of finding applicable vessels, and making the adoptions without undermining the European competitiveness of ship operators.
Rail:
Samuel Nevado, Director Transport Business Unit, DB Cargo / Transfesa will reflect on EU legislation regarding rail transport, its infrastructure management, problems with crossing borders, and the lack of communication between infrastructure managers.
We asked MEP Alexandr Vondra about his comments on the Draghi report.
“Draghi’s report does a decent job in naming the problems. However, the proposed solutions are questionable at best. Moreover, I cannot see any observable change in Brussels couloirs. We are eagerly waiting for the Green deal corrections but the first proposals seem hesitant. Even the new US administration has not moved the European steady waters enough.
The recent reports commissioned by the EC will take into effect only if we dare to accept the geopolitical and economical shifts that are happening on global scale right now. Otherwise, we end up as second-tier regional actor left out of every important discussion.”
For more information about the event and to register, visit our website.