The EU = European Union, which was aiming to ban the sale of new engine-powered vehicles, has reached an agreement with Germany, the largest automobile producer in the region, to allow the continuation of sales on the condition that synthetic fuels are used, which emit virtually zero carbon dioxide.
The Japan companies will pay close attention to the content of this agreement.
The EU had been aiming to effectively ban the sale of new engine-powered vehicles, including hybrid vehicles, by 2035 in order to realize a decarbonized society, but on the 25th it announced that it had reached an agreement with Germany to allow the continuation of sales of engine-powered vehicles on the condition that synthetic fuels be used.
With regard to electrification, Japan automakers are promoting the introduction of EVs while also focusing on hybrid vehicles according to the characteristics of each region, and Toshihiro Mibe, vice chairman of the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association, said at a press conference on March 23 that "diverse options are necessary in a diversified world."
The Japan companies had indicated that they would accelerate the introduction of EVs, but as the EU, which was among the first to announce the spread of EVs, changed its policy, we will pay close attention to how it will affect our sales strategies in the future.
On the other hand, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has set a goal of increasing the ratio of electrified vehicles in new vehicle sales to 2035% by 100, including hybrid vehicles, and there is a view that this agreement is "similar in direction to Japan."
However, the high cost of synthetic fuels that can be used in existing engine vehicles is an issue, and we plan to accelerate support for commercialization.