Tag Archives: EU

News

EU introduces additional tariffs on vehicles from China

In September 2023, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU is launching an investigation into the privileged position of electric vehicles produced in China due to subsidies. The investigation showed that the Chinese government subsidized cars exported to Europe in various ways, and in response the EU is considering the introduction of additional tariffs.

For a long time, Europe was looking for a way to protect domestic producers. Some suggested joining forces against the Chinese, such as the head of the Renault Group, Luca de Meo. It seems that the temporary decision on additional tariffs is the EU’s first move to protect domestic producers.

According to Automotive News Europe, the temporary tariff rates would apply from July, and European importers must report imports of Chinese electric vehicles through customs registrations. This means that retroactive customs clearance is inevitable.

The investigation also showed that imports from China increased by 14 percent (177,839 vehicles) compared to 2022, and if it continues, it is not doubtful that it could negatively affect employment and overall production. The Chinese Chamber of Commerce in the EU said it was disappointed by the decision and that the increase in imports was a reflection of the growing demand for electric vehicles.

Manufacturers are trying to resist the increasingly rapid Chinese conquest of the European market, and one of the ways is to continue producing cars with internal combustion engines. In February, Luca de Meo stated that Europe is facing major challenges and that the alienation and disorientation of the European automotive industry will lead to a structural trade deficit for Europe. He also warns that the phase-out of internal combustion engines, which is planned for 2035, could mean a decrease in the competitiveness of the European car industry. According to him, ICEs have been a protective barrier for Europeans for years, and now with the development of electric cars and the increased need for batteries, that protection is disappearing because the Chinese control 75 percent of global battery production.

Mercedes and Škoda have already announced that they will not give up ICE as long as there is demand. Other companies are expected to follow this path as well.

Source: Automotive News Europe

News

Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are leaving the European market

The announcement that from the summer of 2024 a “Black box” or data recorder (a device that records data with a specific algorithm), as part of General Safety Regulations 2, will be mandatory in all new cars sold in the EU, met with opposition from some manufacturer. According to the latest information, Toyota and Subaru are withdrawing their GR86 and BRZ models from the European market due to this regulation.

Two years ago, the EU started to tighten regulations when it comes to safety, introducing mandatory advanced systems to help drivers on the road. This had a great impact on the further development of cars in Europe, so some manufacturers had to convert their models to electric ones.

Toyota and Subaru announced that they are withdrawing their two models, which are actually identical, because compliance with the new regulations would mean modifying them, which these companies do not plan to do. This would require large financial costs, but also with the changes, it would no longer be the same cars that many know and love.

In 2023, Toyota sold 11,078 units of the GR86, which is slightly less than in 2022 when 11,996 GR86s were delivered. Subaru BRZ sales are growing year after year. In 2023, 4,188 units were sold, which is 843 more than the year before (3,345). This could open up space for other manufacturers to fill the gap. One of the choices for customers is the Mazda MX-5, which will be available after 2024.

Source: Reuters

News

A black box will be mandatory in all new cars sold in the EU

When we say “Black box” or data recorder (a device that records data with a specific algorithm), the first thing that comes to mind is airplanes, and of course they are mandatory in all aircraft. However, from the summer of 2024, they will be mandatory in all new cars sold in the EU.

Traffic accidents also have financial consequences for the people involved in them, and it is often difficult to decide who caused the accident. That’s why the EU passed a regulation that all new cars (class M1 – up to eight seats) must have an EDR (Event Data Recorder) built in, like N1 class vehicles, including pickups and vans whose weight does not exceed 3,500 kilograms. This decision applies to all 27 EU members (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands , Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden).

According to European Commission documentation, EDR records data on the speed, braking, position and tilt of the car on the road, as well as how safety systems react. The device will record these parameters in a short period of time, five seconds before and 0.3 seconds after the impact. Of course, the data must be recorded with high precision and ensure its persistence. In addition, the device analyzes whether the emergency call system has been activated. It is known that the eCall system has become mandatory in the EU since April 2018.

The EDR will be built into the airbag control unit and cannot be turned off. Activates automatically when seat belt pretensioners and airbags deploy. In addition, it starts recording when the vehicle’s active hood pops up or when there is a lateral or longitudinal speed change of more than 8 km/h within 0.15 seconds.

All data stored by the EDR belong to the owner of the vehicle and will only be available to the competent authorities to assist in the reconstruction of the accident. The device works on the principle of a closed loop, and the data is collected anonymously to prevent manipulation if it falls into the wrong hands. The last four digits of the vehicle’s VIN number are not stored, nor are any other types of data that would reveal the identity of the owner.

Source: Reuters