Toyota urges EU to adopt flexible automotive regulations

Toyota Motor Europe is calling on the European Union to revise automotive regulations to ensure a more realistic green transition. Under the proposed ‘Made with Europe’ framework, the company seeks to recognize reliable commercial partners such as Japan, the United Kingdom, and Turkey as part of the European automotive ecosystem, rather than limiting production rules strictly to EU assembly.

Key proposals from Toyota include a gradual implementation of European content requirements, targeting 70% within three years, but requesting that significant requirements not take effect before 2030. Regarding emissions, the company is advocating for a five-year compliance window for the 2028–2032 period and a 90% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2035, rather than relying solely on electric vehicles.

Toyota also suggests that vehicles using exclusively renewable fuels should be recognized as zero-emission vehicles. The company expressed concerns that regulatory requirements may be advancing faster than consumer demand and infrastructure development, calling for greater flexibility to accommodate various technologies, including fuel cell vehicles, until European supply chains are fully mature.