The European Union has been aiming to transition away from traditional ICE-powered vehicles and toward zero-emissions models (including some hybrids) by 2035 for some time, but that plan has hit a bit of a snag due to slower than expected growth in terms of EV demand in the region. Meanwhile, Ford has been quite vocal about the need for robust incentives that will entice consumers to purchase all-electric vehicles, sentiments recently echoed by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Now, the European Union will host a group of automakers and other parties to discuss this particular issue.
According to Reuters, the European Union will host a group of automakers – along with trade unions and suppliers in the industry – later this month as it seeks to put a plan in place that will help rejuvenate a struggling sector. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has said that she wants to spark a “strategic dialogue” pertaining to the future of the automotive industry in that region, starting with a discussion revolving around its biggest challenges, as well as potential solutions to those problems, after which Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas will be tasked with creating an action plan.
European automakers are facing a number of critical issues at the moment, including stiff competition from China, potential U.S. tariffs, and hefty fines for automakers that don’t meet CO2 emissions standards, to name just a few. The European Union is seeking to level the playing field in an industry that currently contributes around seven percent to its economy and employs roughly 13 million people.
Ford has certainly faced its fair share of troubles in Europe as of late, coming off a year in which its sales there dropped by 17 percent versus 2023. Facing a bleak future in Europe amid slow passenger car and EV sales, The Blue Oval is instead choosing to focus on its burgeoning and profitable Ford Pro business in that region moving forward.
Comment
The new EV Capri has a GREAT nose! Still needs to be a 2 door hot hatch!!
The designers need to visit the Ford Museum, or even do research on line to see what worked!!
Using a classic name and destroying it’s linage is SO, SO, STUPID!!
The retro Charge, and Challenger, worked because of looks, size, and engines. The Dart would’ve done better if it was bigger, same with the STUPID rebadged Hornet.