Mercedes-Benz Group CEO Ola Källenius said in a recent interview that Europe’s strict deadline to completely phase out new fuel vehicles after 2035 is “no longer feasible” given infrastructure bottlenecks and sluggish consumer acceptance of electric vehicles.
He believes more flexibility is needed to protect jobs and competitiveness, give consumers more choice and ensure manufacturers can profitably finance the transition.
“This is not a retreat,” he said, defending the call for an easing of the 2035 deadline, “but an upgrade to a smarter strategy that matches Europe’s ambitions with practical plans for success.”
At a time when economies were booming and jobs were plentiful, Europeans largely supported an ambitious climate agenda. Now, as the economy struggles and automakers and suppliers have cut tens of thousands of jobs, public support has shifted toward slowing the pace of the transformation.
Kallenius said carmakers had demonstrated their commitment to combating global warming through huge investments over a decade in new technologies, electric vehicles and battery factories.
"A more pragmatic approach may be more effective in achieving Europe's climate goals," he said. "The EU's ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality in 2050 remains firm. What has changed is only the path to achieve this goal."
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