The Dieselgate scandal that broke in 2015 was a watershed moment for the industry, exposing a lack of strategic vision. At the same time, a strong German car lobby had long held back the introduction of strict environmental Hydrogen technologies standards in the EU, leading to a technological lag.
If we talk about the result, it is –
Production cuts: In 2024, Germany produced 734,000 fewer cars than in previous years, the worst performance in three decades.
Job losses: According to ACEA estimates , tens of thousands of jobs in the German automotive industry have been lost due to production capacity cuts.
Stagnation of companies:
The Stellantis Group, which includes the Peugeot, Fiat and Opel brands, announced a 48% decline in profits in 2024.
France and Italy have also seen production declines, a trend that 99 acres data threatens the ability of European Hydrogen technologies countries to meet the Green Deal goals if the situation does not change.
While China focuses on electric vehicles, Europe has the opportunity to find its own niche through the development of hydrogen technologies.
Hydrogen has a number of advantages:
Environmental friendliness: When using hydrogen in transport, only water is emitted, which fully meets the goals of decarbonization.
Flexibility: Hydrogen can be used not only in passenger cars, but also in heavy transport, aviation and industry.
Energy independence: Green hydrogen production within the EU will reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports and provide new jobs.
However, for this to happen, the EU needs to accelerate the development of hydrogen infrastructure, including the construction of refueling stations, and harmonize legislation for the certification of green hydrogen.
What should the EU do?
Subsidy investigation: Initiate a detailed investigation does email marketing still work? within the WTO into China’s violations of free market principles.
Support hydrogen: Introduce large-scale funding programs for the development of hydrogen technologies.
Tariff protection: Impose tariffs on imports of Chinese electric cars that are sold below cost to protect local manufacturers.
Environmental policy reform: Accelerate the implementation of standards for decarbonizing transport, but with a focus on innovation.
Conclusion
The European Union is on the verge of losing its position in the atb directory global automotive industry. However, the crisis could become an opportunity for change if the EU invests in innovation, including hydrogen technology.
Competing with China requires not only economic but also political solutions. Supporting local producers, harmonizing regulatory norms, and strategic vision are the keys to success.
Only time will tell whether Europe will seize this opportunity. But it needs to act today.