BMW Wants European Union to Postpone Ban on Gas-Engine Vehicles
BMW CEO Oliver Zipse wants the European Union to reverse its decision to ban the sale of new gasoline vehicles as of 2035.
Background
At the turn of 2023, the European Union voted on strict emission regulations, including a ban on the sale of new vehicles equipped with combustion engines, to take effect as of 2035.
That came at a time when the development of electric models was in full swing, and buyers were rushing to get their hands on the new models entering the market. All indications pointed to booming demand.
Things have changed somewhat since then. In a nutshell, early adopters, those able and ready to make the transition to EVs have done so, and those that haven’t yet are proving more reticent to make the leap. Growth in the EV segment continues, but it is not happening at the anticipated pace. Many would-be buyers are waiting for more affordable electric models to hit the market.
Automakers worried
Over the 18 months or so, several automakers have expressed their increasing concern. These companies have made astronomical investments in the transition to electric. In the medium to long term, it remains inevitable – no one is questioning that. Rather, it is the speed at which change must take place that that has company executives speaking up.