00:00Lawmakers on the European Parliament's Environment Committee backed relaxing the EU's 2035
00:05car emissions rules, giving manufacturers more flexibility amid rising costs and competition.
00:11The committee voted to lower the required emissions reduction for new cars from 100%
00:16to 87.5%, going further than the European Commission's proposal for a 90% cut.
00:22Carmakers using climate-friendly steel would receive an additional 7.5% credit,
00:28while the target for vans would fall from 90% to 80%.
00:32The deal was negotiated by the center-right EPP, the Socialists and Democrats, and Renew Europe.
00:38European car production remains 19% to 20% below 2019 levels,
00:42according to Brussels-based economic think tank Bruegel.
00:46The sector is also facing fierce competition from China and sluggish electric vehicle sales.
00:52The EPP said the changes would protect jobs and give manufacturers more freedom over technology.
00:58Greens warned that weaker rules could slow the shift to electric vehicles and make investment
01:03less certain. The vote marks a shift from the EU's original plan to end sale of new combustion engine
01:09cars by 2035. The proposal still needs approval from the full parliament and agreement with the EU
01:15member states before it can become low.
