Volkswagen Brussels is calling for a delay to the strict Euro 7 emission standard

EU member states and lawmakers are set to discuss the draft Euro 7 standard this year, which will cover passenger cars and vans from July 1, 2025, and buses and trucks two years later. European automakers oppose this standard, saying it is too expensive and cannot be implemented as quickly as the European Commission proposes.

The expectation that the new standard will enter into force in July 2025, according to Volkswagen, will lead to the suspension of production of a number of models in Europe for several months, according to Reuters.

At the end of January, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) warned about the negative consequences of the Euro 7 standard, which, according to them, could make cars more expensive on average by 2,000 euros (about 46,500 CZK) and undermine demand. . One of the most outspoken opponents of the new Euro 7 emission standard is the Czech Republic, whose standards Prague would like to change.

Volkswagen is the largest car manufacturer in Europe, which also includes the Czech Škoda Auto. Škoda Auto’s board member for sales and marketing Martin Jan said in March that if the Euro 7 standard is introduced, the company will have to close one production hall and 3,000 people will come to work directly at the automaker. According to him, the reason was the economic impossibility to continue the production and sale of the smaller Fabia, Scala and Kamiq models.