The carmakers industry group European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) has written to the EU to request a six month extension to the introduction of the new Euro 6 emission regulations. The Coronavirus pandemic has devastated sales leaving manufacturers with an inventory of vehicles which would not meet the new standard. They argue that an extension is needed to clear this stock.

The president of ACEA, Fiat Chrysler CEO Mike Manley has written to EU Internal Market Commisioner Thierry Breton to request the delay on behalf of members. He commented, “While we accept that pollutant emissions are a sensitive political matter, we would like to emphasise that the proposed postponement will have no impact whatsoever on the emission level of the vehicles concerned or on air quality.

ACEA say that some 600,000 cars are already built that would not meet the Euro 6d ISC-FCM standard which is due to come into force on January 1st 2021. They warn that the industry could face huge job losses if the request was not granted.