Toyota urges EU to adopt ‘Made with Europe’ regulatory framework

Toyota Motor Europe is advocating for a shift in European automotive policy, proposing a ‘Made with Europe’ framework instead of a strict ‘Made in Europe’ approach. Yoshihiro Nakata, President and CEO of Toyota Motor Europe, argues that regulatory definitions should include trusted partners such as the United Kingdom, Türkiye, and Japan to reflect the reality of global supply chains and engineering investments.

The company is calling for greater flexibility regarding CO2 emission targets and the 2035 mandates. Specifically, Toyota suggests that vehicles powered exclusively by renewable or sustainable fuels should be recognized as zero-emission vehicles. The manufacturer also proposes a more gradual implementation of European content requirements, suggesting a target of 70% based on ex-works value—including research, development, and assembly—to be reached over a three-year period, with no substantive rules imposed before 2030.

These requests come as the European Union debates the Industrial Accelerator Act and the Automotive Package. Toyota emphasizes that while it fully supports climate goals, regulations must remain technologically neutral and pragmatic to ensure the competitiveness of the European automotive industry and reflect actual consumer demand.