Strategic Dialogue Between the European Commission and ACEA Delivers Message – Urgent Action Needed on Three Separate Fronts
Brussels, 12 September 2025 – The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) has shared with the Serbian Association of Vehicle Importers and Parts the outcomes of today’s third strategic dialogue with the European Commission, held in Brussels. The focus was on the structural challenges facing the European automotive industry and the message that urgent action is required on three separate fronts: passenger cars, light commercial vehicles, and heavy-duty vehicles.
“We agree with the President of the Commission that bold and swift action is needed,” said Ola Källenius, ACEA President and CEO of Mercedes-Benz. “No one has a greater stake in achieving zero-emission mobility than European car manufacturers. Advanced Europe needs us, and we need an advanced Europe.”
The most urgent task is to adapt the CO₂ policy framework for cars and vans to reality, participants in the dialogue stressed. In addition, it is necessary to double measures that stimulate demand and ensure key prerequisites such as affordable energy and widespread charging infrastructure. The van market situation was described as critical, with electric vehicles representing only 8.5% in this segment, while for trucks and buses the share is 3.5%. The industry clearly stated that the EU cannot afford to wait until 2027 to revise CO₂ standards for heavy-duty vehicles and that urgent action is needed.
“Truck and bus manufacturers are committed to Europe’s green transition: the vehicles are ready, but the conditions for their use are not,” emphasized Christian Levin, CEO of the Traton Group and Scania. He reminded that high-capacity charging infrastructure, grid capacity, and purchase incentives are still seriously lagging.
On the sidelines of the dialogue, a Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the European Commission and key partners, aiming to strengthen synergies between different innovation programs. ACEA welcomed the initiative to develop a Joint Undertaking for automotive research and innovation, highlighting that it is crucial for the companies themselves to be involved in shaping and managing it from the very beginning.
The message after the meeting is clear – Europe must simultaneously achieve three goals: decarbonization, competitiveness, and supply chain resilience. Only such a balance can allow the European automotive industry to maintain a leading role in the global transition to zero emissions.
Source: ACEA
Photo: AI
English
Serbian
