Stellantis CEO Calls EU for Flexible EV Rules, CO₂ Extensions

Antonio Filosa, who became CEO of Stellantis in June 2025, is urging the European Union to adopt more flexible policies to support the automotive sector during the  transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Ahead of a high-level meeting with EU officials, Filosa emphasized the need for swift, pragmatic action to prevent disruption in the industry.

“Strategic dialogue is important, but now action is urgent. Delays are not an option,” Filosa told Il Sole 24 Ore and Les Echos. He called on the European Commission to support transitional technologies, including hybrid vehicles, to help reduce the average age of cars on European roads. “Policies that encourage replacing older vehicles with newer models and expand powertrain options could reduce CO₂ emissions more effectively than current new-car market rules,” he said.

Filosa also highlighted challenges in the light commercial vehicle sector, suggesting that CO₂ measurement periods be extended from three to five years to better reflect real-world usage.

The European automotive industry faces rising regulatory pressure, supply chain constraints, and growing competition from Chinese automakers, while US tariffs on European-made vehicles add further complexity.

Filosa’s comments precede a September 12 meeting with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and industry leaders to discuss the sector’s future amid technological and competitive pressures. Under his leadership, Stellantis—which includes Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Peugeot, Chrysler, Jeep, and Opel—is advocating a balanced approach that supports innovation while preserving jobs and industrial capacity.

The CEO’s position echoes industry concerns about the EU’s planned 2035 ban on internal combustion engines, seen by some as overly rigid. While EV adoption grows, transitional solutions like hybrids and cleaner combustion engines remain crucial.

BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has similarly called the ban a “big mistake,” urging emissions rules to consider the full supply chain. Critics, however, caution against resisting the ban. Danijel Visevic of World Fund called such lobbying “short-sighted” and urged automakers to focus on producing affordable, competitive vehicles to stay ahead of Chinese competitors.