The crux of the issue lies in the aggressive mandate set forth by the EU: phasing out combustion-engine vehicles entirely by 2035. This abrupt shift has major automakers scrambling for alternatives while maintaining market viability and production efficiency.

Elkann’s comments came during a significant moment at Fiat’s birthplace, Turin, where he announced the start of production on a new hybrid version of the iconic Fiat 500. The move signals Stellantis’ commitment to finding middle ground between regulatory demands and consumer needs.

The industry proposal suggests a more flexible path toward emissions reduction by allowing plug-in hybrids, range extenders, and alternative fuels beyond 2035. Additionally, they recommend averaging CO₂ reductions over several years to ease the transition period. Such strategies aim at reviving small-car production in Europe, an area suffering due to rising manufacturing costs.

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa echoed Elkann’s sentiments, urging for ‘urgent and definitive action’ from EU officials. The company’s recent investment in Italian production underscores their commitment to reinvigorating the local industry, even as it faces challenges like low EV demand and increasing competition from Chinese brands.

For many European automakers, these regulations spell potential disaster if not adjusted. While the shift towards electric vehicles is inevitable, the sudden phaseout of combustion engines threatens to push manufacturers into uncharted territories without adequate support or flexibility in policy.

The EU’s response will be crucial for maintaining automotive production within Europe. Without a more accommodating framework, carmakers might be forced to reconsider their European operations, leading to significant economic repercussions.

The post Stellantis Warnings Echo Auto Industry’s Struggle appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.

In a statement posted on their official website, RDW emphasized that safety is the primary concern when it comes to FSD’s approval rather than public pressure or deadlines set by manufacturers like ‘Tesla’. This stance aligns with their commitment to ensuring that all vehicles on Dutch roads meet stringent safety standards.

RDW’s statement also sheds light on the regulatory process Tesla must go through before FSD can be approved for use in Europe. According to EU Regulation 2018/858, manufacturers like ‘Tesla’ can seek exemptions for advanced driver assistance systems that are not yet covered by existing legislation. However, before a request can be filed, Tesla must complete the type-approval process with RDW.

The approval involves rigorous testing to ensure FSD meets all necessary safety and compliance standards. If successful, this could pave the way for an EU-wide vote on whether to grant the exemption across all member states. Despite the outlined timeline, RDW has made it clear that February 2026 is not a guaranteed date.

RDW’s response also addressed Tesla’s social media request encouraging drivers to contact them in support of FSD approval. They thanked those who had already reached out but asked for no further communications on this matter, citing the burden such inquiries place on customer service resources and their lack of influence on the decision-making process.

The post Dutch RDW Confirms Tesla’s FSD February 2026 Target appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.