New EU rules aim to make automotive sector more sustainable

The European Parliament has voted in favour of adopting proposed new EU rules to cover the entire vehicle lifecycle, from design to final end-of-life treatment.

The regulation would apply to cars and vans one year after its entry into force (five years for buses, heavy-duty vehicles, trailers, motorcycles, quads, mopeds and minicars).

There are some exceptions, for instance for special-purpose vehicles and vehicles of historical interest.

MEPs also want to exempt vehicles designed and built for use by the armed forces, civil defence, fire and emergency medical services, and vehicles of special cultural interest.

The new rules would require new vehicles to be designed so as to allow the easy removal of as many parts and components as possible by authorised treatment facilities, with a view to their replacement, reuse, recycling, remanufacturing or refurbishing, where technically possible.

MEPs add that manufacturers should not hinder the removal and replacement of parts and components using software updates.

MEPs also want the plastic used in each new vehicle type to contain minimum 20 per cent recycled plastic, within six years of the rules’ entry into force. To ensure the necessary long-term perspective for the industry and unlock investment, they want manufacturers to meet a target of at least 25 per cent within 10 years of entry into force, if enough recycled plastic is available at non-excessive prices.

The Commission is expected to introduce targets for recycled steel and aluminium and its alloys, following a feasibility study.

FIGIEFA, the body that represents independent automotive aftermarket distributors in Europe, has welcomed the vote for its “crucial contribution to an open and competitive automotive ecosystem, setting clear rights and responsibilities to vehicle manufacturers and independent operators, thus preserving a fair level-playing field”.

FIGIEFA has now called on the Council and the Commission to support the Parliament amendments made ahead of the plenary vote scheduled for 8th-11th September 2025.