Volkswagen faces a fine of 15 billion euros for harmful emissions into the atmosphere

The European Union is demanding a sharp reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, but the sale of electric vehicles is still causing losses. As a result, the company is forced to choose the lesser of two evils and is preparing for multi-billion dollar fines, Carscoops reports.

As reported by IT Home with reference to a statement by Volkswagen CFO Arno Antlitz, in the period from 2025 to 2027 the concern risks exceeding the CO2 emissions standards established by the European Union. The direct consequence is a fine that could reach 15 billion euros (almost 120 billion rubles at the current exchange rate).

Annual losses from penalties will amount to approximately 3−5 billion euros. The paradox of the situation is that the alternative to fines is forced sales of electric vehicles, which also hits the wallet. The profitability of electric trains is still significantly lower than that of traditional cars with an internal combustion engine.

“We have to choose between two types of losses,” the publication quotes Antlitsa as saying. “Either pay a fine for emissions, or put up with lower margins for electric vehicles.”

New models are trying to save the situation. The ID electric car will hit the market this year. Polo, and in 2027 – an even more compact and cheaper electric car. However, according to the concern itself, even with them it will not be possible to meet EU requirements for the entire fleet of vehicles.

By 2030, manufacturers are required to reduce emissions by 55% relative to 2021 levels, and by 2035 – by 90%. In fact, this means the inevitable abandonment of new cars with pure petrol or diesel engines within nine years.

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