EU Eases 2035 Combustion Ban, UK Reaffirms Phaseout

The European Union has abandoned its strict plan to ban sales of new combustion-engine vehicles by 2035, opting instead for more flexible emission targets that will allow manufacturers to continue producing some petrol, diesel, and hybrid models. The shift, announced by senior lawmakers and expected to be formalized next week, marks a significant concession to industry pressures and comes as Britain reaffirms its commitment to phasing out such vehicles by the same deadline.

Manfred Weber, leader of the European People's Party, the largest bloc in the European Parliament, confirmed the change in interviews with German media outlets. He stated that the EU would require a 90 percent reduction in CO2 emissions for new car fleets starting in 2035, down from the previously mandated 100 percent zero-emission target. "The end of combustion engines is history," Weber said, describing the adjustment as "good news for the automotive industry and millions of employees." The revision also drops a planned full zero-emission mandate for 2040, effectively permitting internal combustion engines alongside electric vehicles, provided they meet efficiency standards through technologies like...