After a recent proposal to relax the strict Euro 7 norms proposed by Spain, the European Union agreed to accept the proposal. As the main reason, the members stated that strict regulations create enormous pressure on manufacturers to fulfill these regulations, which would make cars even more expensive, and deter manufacturers from investing in electric vehicles.

EU members have agreed not to change the existing Euro 6 standards for cars and vans, which will not apply to buses and heavy vehicles. They also accepted new limits on particulate emissions for brakes and tires, which will be further discussed.

Manufacturers also pointed out that measurements of microplastic particles obtained by braking and rolling tires would be too expensive and the environmental benefits negligible.

“We believe that with this proposal we have achieved broad support and a balance in the investment costs of producers while improving the environmental conditions resulting from these regulations,” said Hector Gomez Hernandez, Spain’s Acting Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism.

The Spanish proposal was supported by eight members, including France and Italy. Italian Industry Minister Adolfo Urso welcomed the agreement saying: “The new regulation, at Italy’s request, also allows for the protection of the supply chain of the automotive industry of small manufacturers, the high range typical of Italian production such as Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati – symbols of ‘Made in Italy’ ” and which produce about 50,000 cars a year.”

Source: Reuters