The auto industry is preparing to meet emissions and safety regulations in the new European Union, which has entered into force today. Manufacturers are obliged to sell new vehicles in the European Union to “empty” pollution models, and to equip all models with new safety systems, including identifying the road mark, and driver’s alcohol consumption sensor.
As a result, the main models sold in Israel from the market can disappear this year, or appear with very different specifications and with the North American standard.
The new environmental standards, called the cafe (the average fuel economy), have developed maximum strict levels of the average carbon dioxide emissions for all private car models from manufacturers that are sold in Europe. From this year, the manufacturer whose average emissions will be fined 95 euros per gram of a surplus multiplied by the total number of cars sold. The fine can reach tens, and even hundreds, in millions of euros a year, depending on the excess.
In order to reduce the average emissions, manufacturers need to accelerate their electric cars sales, or to reconsider the constant production of models with contaminated engines according to European standards. At the same time, manufacturers are preparing for the strict euro 7 emissions standards that will enter into force next year, and will require the redesign of many models. In addition, many manufacturers do not succeed in meeting new safety standards, some of which require comprehensive changes in new models.
As a result of the environmental organization, most diesel versions will disappear from European models that remain in the Israeli market, especially in the category of light commercial vehicles, in 2025, of which they are very popular in Israel.
Distinguished example is that the Japanese manufacturer Mazda, which decided to stop selling versions of 1.5 and 2 liters in Europe. Most of the company’s models sold in Israel, such as Mazda 2, Mazda 3, CX-3 and CX-5 are equipped with these engines.
The importer, Delek Motors (Delek Automotive Systems), examines the possibility of filling the gap by importing some models based on American or Canadian standards, which Israel recognizes alongside European standards. Most of the famous gasoline models that are sold in North America, including Mazda 3, are equipped with 2.5 -liter engines, and more expensive. CX-3, which is popular in Israel, is not sold with an American or Canadian standard at all.
In Europe, Mazda will reduce the average emissions level through the new Mazda 6 electricity, which will start selling in Europe in June at a starting price of about 45,000 euros in Germany, which is similar to the price of Tesla 3. The car is produced in China, and from It is expected that it will reach Israel in the second half of this year.
Hyundai and Kia are planning to get rid of their offers many engines and versions with European standards that are being demanded in Israel, due to the new regulations. In these brands, Israeli importers began bringing models produced in Korea according to North America’s standards last year. The trend is expected to include more models in 2025.
The import of Korean models with European standards to Israel will mainly continue for hybrid vehicles, or vehicles with low -polluted small engines.
Chinese brand importers with gasoline engines or mixed models feel change. The WEY brand imports were stopped by Samelet until further notice, as the hybrid models contain the additional components of the brand on gasoline engines that do not meet the new emissions standard. Samelett said the imports “can be resumed towards May.” However, the company has already started using its LEAP latitude.
Suzuki has stopped selling the famous Ignis model in Israel as it is preparing to meet the new European environmental regulations. The importer, a group of auto equipment, says Suzuki plans to continue with Euro 7 versions of other gasoline models sold in Israel, as well as importing a new electric cross from India. Mitsubishi has already stopped importing its Space Star City, which was sold by thousands annually.
Sources in this sector say that some manufacturers still suspend their hopes of political pressure on the European Commission to delay the implementation of the euro 7 regulations and standards, or to enter relaxation. But as the deadline approaches, in the middle of this year, more manufacturers will make painful decisions.
It was published by Globes, Israel Business News – En.globes.co.il – on January 30, 2025.
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