Toyota urges EU to rethink strict emissions rules for carmakers
Toyota has come out to ask European legislators to have a more realisitic approach to global decarbonisation, indicating that the targeted requirements are impossible to meet without considerable compromises…
Image: Toyota
Toyota has called on European and United Kingdom policymakers to adopt a pragmatic, partnership-driven regulatory approach to safeguard the competitiveness of the region’s automotive sector. As European Union legislators draft the Industrial Accelerator Act and Automotive Package, and the UK Government reviews its Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, the Japanese brand urges authorities to balance ambitious climate targets with market realities.
Operating in Europe for over 60 years, the historic Japanese marque designs, builds, and develops vehicles, engines, and hybrid systems locally. Yoshihiro Nakata, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, emphasised that Toyota is a European manufacturer deeply invested in the success of the local automotive industry. The company fully supports decarbonisation goals but stresses that upcoming policies must reflect genuine customer demand, technology neutrality, and the contributions of trusted global partners.
To maintain global competitiveness, the brand advocates shifting from a strict “Made in Europe” mindset to a broader “Made with Europe” framework. An EU-only assembly rule risks penalising established investors. Instead, Toyota recommends recognising trusted reciprocal free-trade partners such as the UK, Türkiye, and Japan, expanding the combined market reach to 31 million vehicles.
The manufacturer proposes phasing European-content requirements up to 70% over three years based on ex-works value, taking into account research, engineering, and final assembly. Additionally, Toyota asks for a realistic 70% overall sales threshold rather than the proposed 85%, no substantive rules before 2030, equal qualification across public procurement and corporate fleets, and the temporary exclusion of fuel-cell vehicles until supply chains mature.
Image: Toyota
Toyota calls for more realistic EU and UK emissions targets
Regarding carbon targets, Toyota highlights a clear gap between current mandates and consumer uptake. Forecasts indicate battery-electric vehicles will comprise 45% of new-car sales by 2030, whereas existing rules require over 55%. Toyota proposes a five-year compliance window from 2028 to 2032, a 90% emissions reduction target for 2035, and flexibilities for green steel and renewable fuels. Furthermore, vehicles running exclusively on eligible renewable fuels should be classified as zero-emission under a unified EU definition. For light commercial vehicles, the firm seeks separate targets of 35% for 2030 and 80% for 2035, combined with five-year averaging.
In the UK, the Japanese brand welcomes the ZEV mandate review and recommends maximum zero-emissions target shares of 50% for cars and 40% for light commercial vehicles by 2030. It also advises aligning closely with EU timelines, setting out the 2035 framework now, recognising renewable fuels, and concluding the review process by 2027. Matt Harrison, Chief Corporate Officer of Toyota Motor Europe, noted that isolation weakens the industry and that legislative frameworks must match the pace of customer adoption.
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