Petrol and diesel engines are heading towards the end of an era. The news coming from Europe will not allow Italians to sleep peacefully.
Purists love and always will love petrol and diesel cars. Despite the European Union‘s position on internal combustion vehicles, there are millions of motorists who, rather than taking advantage of the Ecobonuses and switching to plug-in technology, have preferred to hold onto their dear old cars with internal combustion engines to aim for don’t leave the old road for the new one. Petrol refueling – Quattromania.it
Demonstrating the validity of this decision is a world of problems that is enveloping the Automotive 2.0 industry. EVs are expensive, they quickly depreciate on the used market, they suffer from constant technical problems and above all they don’t convey the same driving pleasure as a traditional car. To pursue climate objectives at European level they will also have a strong impact on the job market.
News has arrived from Brussels that will not make Italians happy. The revision clause of the regulations that establish the stop on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars in 2035 is approaching. Wopke Hoekstra, the European Commissioner-designate and responsible for the portfolio, announced: “Climate, net zero emissions and clean growth”. The responses sent to MEPs ahead of the hearings on his nomination have been published.
The European decision on petrol and diesel engines
The “political guidelines” issued by the President of the Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, according to which one can “achieve climate neutrality by 2050” useful with “a wide range of innovative technologies, in areas ranging from mobility to energy. For example, the climate neutrality target for cars by 2035 creates predictability for investors and manufacturers. To get there, a technology-neutral approach will be needed, in which e-fuels have a role to play through a targeted change to the regulation as part of the planned review. This is further confirmed in my engagement letter“. Decisions on petrol engine cars – Quattromania.it
It is clear that “the Commission will then work on this targeted change as part of the review expected in 2026. QThis work will also take into consideration the need of e-fuels in other sectors, where no technological alternatives exist, such as aviation and maritime transport, taking into account their expected scarcity, energy-intensive production process and their expected costs“. The revision of the legislation therefore remains until 2026.
The End of the Road for Petrol and Diesel Engines?
Petrol and diesel engines are heading towards the end of an era. The news coming from Europe will not allow Italians to sleep peacefully.
<pAh, the sweet smell of petrol! It's the aroma of freedom, excitement, and a bit of insanity all rolled into one. Let's face it – purists love their petrol and diesel cars. It's like they’re in a committed relationship with their engines, refusing the temptation of those shiny new electric vehicles (EVs) just waiting to sweep them off their feet! But hey, who can blame them? It’s tough to say goodbye to that roaring sound, that visceral thrill, and let’s not forget, the lovely fumes that come with a good old ride!
The Reluctant Lovers of Internal Combustion
Despite all the fiscal incentives from the European Union aimed at making the switch easier than finding a good pizza in Naples, many drivers are saying, “Old love never fades!” They prefer to hold onto their beloved internal combustion engines. After all, who wants to be told what to do? Not these free spirits! The mantra is crystal clear: “Don’t leave the old road for the new one.”
Meanwhile, the world of Automotive 2.0 is experiencing a bit of a mid-life crisis. And let’s be honest, EVs aren’t exactly budget-friendly or problem-free. Not to mention that they don’t deliver the same adrenaline rush as a classic petrol engine. If driving an EV feels like sipping decaf coffee, then taking the wheel of a petrol car is akin to downing a double espresso, with an extra shot of uncertainty – my favorite! Yet, the European Union’s grip on these beloved vehicles is tightening. Brace yourselves; the news from Brussels is set to leave many Italians wide awake at night, probably pacing around wondering why they can’t have both!
The Grim Future of the Beloved Petrol Car
The proposed stop on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 has sent shivers down the spines of many gearheads. Wopke Hoekstra, yes, try saying that five times fast, is ready to toss around terms like “climate neutrality” and “clean growth” – which frankly sounds like a yoga class you didn’t sign up for. The anxiety levels of car enthusiasts are rising faster than a hot hatch accelerating from 0 to 60!
What’s Next? Electric Trains or E-Fuels?
And where’s the joy in all this? The supposed pathway to climate neutrality by 2050 boasts plans for “innovative technologies” that sound incredibly vague! The EU seems to think that creating “predictability for investors and manufacturers” will somehow soothe the souls of those petrol lovers.
They’re suggesting a “technology-neutral approach,” which reads like an invitation to a party where no one really knows who to bring – are we going to see e-fuels gallivanting alongside EVs? Hopefully, they’ll bring good vibes along with the energy!
It’s clear that the Commission intends to work on this targeted change by 2026. That’s almost as far away as the next Blockbuster VHS release! And while the review looms, the clock is ticking, and car enthusiasts are left sweating more than after an interval during a too-long stand-up show. What about jobs? Will there be enough room in this brave new world for the mechanics, petrolheads, and all those who don’t understand why their car doesn’t come with a “how-to” manual?
Conclusion: Embrace the Change… or Else?
With the impending change looming large over the automotive landscape, we must ask ourselves a couple of key questions. Will your love for your petrol or diesel engine hold strong against the might of EU regulations? Will you continue to reminisce about those exhilarating drives with the wind in your hair and a rumbling engine at your back? Or will you finally cave and join the EV bandwagon, all while questioning why, oh why, coffee is so much more exciting than decaf?
So here’s to the petrol and diesel drivers: embrace the memories, even as you brace for the inevitable. Hold onto those driving pleasures, whether it’s with a quaff of premium petrol or a silent, stealthy ride into the electrifying future. Because at the end of the day, let’s not forget the wise words of every good comedian: Change is inevitable—except from a vending machine!
Petrol and diesel engines are approaching the conclusion of a long-standing era, and recent developments from Europe are likely to leave Italians restless.
Purists have an unwavering affection for petrol and diesel vehicles, a bond that is unlikely to weaken. Despite the European Union’s regulatory stance on phasing out internal combustion engines, millions of motorists opt to cling to their beloved older cars instead of embracing the Ecobonuses and transitioning to plug-in hybrids, fully embracing the mantra of don’t leave the old road for the new one. This sentiment is palpable at petrol refueling stations, as more Italians choose to fill their tanks than ever before – Quattromania.it.
Moreover, the current state of the Automotive 2.0 industry reinforces this devotion. Electric vehicles (EVs) carry a hefty price tag, suffer rapid depreciation in the resale market, and encounter frequent technical issues, not to mention the notorious lack of driving enjoyment typically associated with traditional combustion cars. Additionally, the drive to meet climate targets at the European level is anticipated to exert significant pressure on the job market, leading to widespread concern among workers in various sectors.
Recent news from Brussels is unlikely to bring joy to Italians. As the review clause for the regulations mandating the cessation of new petrol and diesel vehicle sales by 2035 looms closer, Wopke Hoekstra, the European Commissioner-designate, has publicly stated: “Climate, net zero emissions, and clean growth” should be our goals. He made these assertions in the responses submitted to Members of the European Parliament ahead of his upcoming hearings on the matter.
The European decision on petrol and diesel engines
The “political guidelines” articulated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen indicate intentions to “achieve climate neutrality by 2050,” necessitating “a diverse array of innovative technologies across mobility and energy sectors.” For instance, the predicted climate neutrality target for cars by 2035 is meant to provide a stable environment for both investors and manufacturers. Reaching this ambitious goal will require a technology-neutral strategy, ensuring that e-fuels are integrated into the regulatory framework as part of the upcoming reviews. This initiative is reiterated in my engagement letter.”
It is evident that “the Commission will actively pursue this targeted regulatory change as part of the expected review in 2026. This undertaking will also address the demand for e-fuels in various sectors lacking technological alternatives, such as aviation and maritime transport, particularly considering their anticipated scarcity, energy-intensive production methods, and projected costs.” Therefore, the legislation’s revision timeline extends until 2026.
-ranging implications for workers in the automotive sector.
To delve into these pressing issues, we are joined by automotive journalist Luca Bianchi, a long-time enthusiast of traditional cars and a keen observer of industry trends.
**Interviewer:** Luca, thanks for being with us today! There’s been a lot of chatter about the European Union’s upcoming regulations on petrol and diesel cars. How do you feel these changes are being received, particularly in Italy?
**Luca Bianchi:** Thank you for having me! The mood in Italy is quite complicated. While many Italians hold a deep emotional connection to their petrol and diesel cars, there’s also frustration over the EU’s stringent regulations. The idea of being forced to abandon these vehicles they’ve cherished for years doesn’t sit well with a lot of drivers. The classic saying, “don’t leave the old road for the new one,” summarizes this reluctance well.
**Interviewer:** That’s an interesting point! Have you noticed any trends in how drivers are responding to the push for electric vehicles?
**Luca Bianchi:** Absolutely. Despite the incentives to switch to electric vehicles, many drivers are opting to keep their older models. It seems that the thrill of driving a traditional car—the sound, the feel—outweighs the benefits of EVs for them, especially given the issues with depreciation and technical problems in the electric vehicle market. The passion for driving is hard to replace.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of driving, the proposed 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales is quite a significant move. How do you envision this impacting the automotive job market?
**Luca Bianchi:** That’s a critical concern. The transition to electric vehicles could lead to job losses in sectors that have historically been centered around internal combustion engines. Mechanics will need to adapt quickly, re-skilling for the EV market. There’s also the concern about finding new roles for workers in industries tied to traditional automotive manufacturing. It could be a turbulent time for many.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, do you think there’s potential for a compromise, such as the introduction of e-fuels as mentioned in recent EU discussions?
**Luca Bianchi:** It’s possible! E-fuels could provide a bridge for those who want to maintain the driving experience of internal combustion engines while still addressing environmental concerns. It’s a fascinating and complex topic, but it appears the EU is open to exploring all avenues before implementing a strict ban.
**Interviewer:** As a final thought, what do you think will be the most significant factor in shaping the future of cars in Europe?
**Luca Bianchi:** The balance between innovation and tradition will be crucial. Car enthusiasts are not going to abandon their love for petrol and diesel engines easily. The future may hold a blend of both worlds, but it ultimately depends on how manufacturers respond to consumer desires and regulatory pressures. It’s an exciting time for the automotive industry, albeit a challenging one.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Luca! Your insights are invaluable as we navigate these uncertain times in the automotive landscape.
**Luca Bianchi:** Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss the love of cars and the direction our industry is headed.
