by European Carmakers at Risk of Huge Fines
Car manufacturers in Europe could face fines of up to 15 billion euros due to new environmental regulations. To avoid sanctions, Stellantis must either significantly increase electric vehicle sales or reduce the production of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. One potential risk is the closure of the Atessa plant in Italy, which specializes in van production.
The EU is intensifying its fight against CO₂ emissions, and automakers must adapt. Initially, fines were planned to be calculated based only on 2025 figures, but the rules were changed in May: now the average emission level for 2025-2027 will be considered. This gives companies more time, but even so, Stellantis expects fines of up to 2.5 billion euros in the coming years.
Possible Plant Closures
Jean-Philippe Imparato, head of Stellantis in Europe, stated that the company faces a difficult choice: either drastically increase electric car sales or reduce the production of traditional cars, which would lead to plant closures.
“I have two options: either I frantically promote electric cars… or I shut down ICE production. And consequently — the plants,” he said.
The Atessa plant in Italy is already being considered as a potential candidate for reduction or closure. This could happen if the company bets on electric vehicles and abandons gasoline and diesel models.
The situation forces automakers to seek a balance between environmental requirements and economic feasibility. Even with the concession of calculating emissions over three years, achieving the goals will be difficult, especially for companies with a large fleet of ICE vehicles. Stellantis, as one of the largest players in the market, is under particular pressure.
