European countries could scrap upcoming ban on diesel and petrol cars

European countries could scrap upcoming ban on diesel and petrol cars European Union countries could be about to water down plans to scrap petrol and diesel cars, with France and Germany joining forces. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Luke Chillingsworth , Cars Reporter 09:16, Mon, Oct 19, 2026 Updated: 09:21, Mon, Oct 19, 2026 Could the EU's 2035 petrol and diesel car ban target be set to end? (Image: Getty) European Union countries could ditch strict petrol and diesel car ban rules if a new suggestion from France and Germany is given the green light. Currently, EU manufacturers face a 2035 deadline on the sale of brand-new combustion petrol and diesel vehicles. There has already been some slide, with the European Commission already proposing that the 2035 deadline is ditched, with manufacturers to cut new vehicle exhaust emissions by just 90% The remaining 10% would need to be compensated through credits such as using low-carbon steel, but it is understood France and Germany want to go further. The two sides are believed to be suggesting that the 10% requirement is also ditched, effectively ensuring firms will still be allowed to produce a small proportion of petrol and diesel models. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Germany has sought to soften the 2035 target to protect its automotive industry. After the news broke, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described the deal as a "good day for car drivers and for jobs in Germany, France and Europe." Meanwhile, French officials have pushed for ‘Made in Europe’ legislation to fight back against Chinese competition. Under the ‘Made in Europe’ rules, as much as 70% of car components would have to be produced in Europe. Get the latest politics news - straight from our team in Westminster and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . French President Emmanuel Macron added: "We hope that this Franco-German dynamic can swiftly lead to an agreement with our partners, for our jobs and our industry.” Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT A joint statement by the two countries published last Friday said: “To that end, France and Germany propose a comprehensive package that combines an ambitious European decarbonisation pathway with the regulatory flexibility needed to reflect different market realities and technological conditions. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT I drove eight EVs in a day and there was clear winner – not Nissan or Kia Andy Burnham new October £1,000 rule change for anyone without driveways starts next week France and Germany could be pushing for an update (Image: Getty) The UK is still pushing towards a 2030 petrol and diesel car ban target (Image: Getty) "It also provides concrete incentives for investment, research and development, European production, and resilient supply chains. This balanced approach will enable the European Union to pursue its climate objectives while strengthening the technological sovereignty, industrial base and international competitiveness of its automotive industry.” The UK has a more ambitious petrol and diesel car ban deadline, with brand new combustion models set to be off the roads in just a matter of years. The UK is currently reviewing its Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate targets, but officials have previously stressed that sales of brand new petrol and diesel cars will still end by 2030. European Union France Germany Petrol Diesel Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments