European Union lawmakers backed proposals on Wednesday to weaken the bloc's car emissions and corporate fleet targets, easing requirements on automakers to maximise zero-emission vehicle sales from 2035. The EU had been on course to end new sales of internal combustion engine cars by 2035. But under industry pressure, the European Commission late last year proposed softening the target for cars to a 90% CO2 reduction, with 10% made up from low-carbon steel and alternative fuels. The European Parliament's environment committee backed instead a proposal from three mainstream party groups for an 87.5% cut, with a 7.5% top-up from production using low-carbon steel made in the EU, bringing the total to 95%. Small or highly efficient EVs would also qualify for "super credits", which make it easier for automakers to meet the targets. The European People's Party, the assembly's biggest group, said it had secured a major victory for the car industry by reversing the combustion engine ban. T&E, a transport and mobility campaign group, said the vote was another step in the wrong direction and that allowing biofuel-powered cars would divert necessary investment from electrification and undermine the EU auto sector's ability to compete with China. After the committee votes on Wednesday, the full EU assembly is due to vote on the auto package in December. This will establish the parliament's position for subsequent negotiations with the Council, the grouping of EU governments, which is still deliberating on the issue. France and Germany, which both have significant car industries, last month agreed the CO2 emission reduction should be 90%, with no need for compensatory measures. They have put this idea to other EU members. Parliamentary committees also voted on Wednesday to downgrade mandatory targets set on future shares of zero-emission cars in corporate fleets to "aspirational" goals.
