Porsche Predicts Possible Delay for Europe’s 2035 Ban on Combustion Engines

Lincoln Eliminating Additional US Dealers in 2023, Following Previous Reductions in 2022

The CFO of Porsche is confident that the sales of brand-new cars with traditional combustion engines may persist in the European Union beyond 2035, while Lincoln has announced plans to reduce its number of dealers by 100 in the United States by the end of this year.

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Porsche Believes Traditional Engines May Still Exist After 2035 in The European UnionGerman automaker Porsche has expressed its belief that the traditional combustion engine may continue to exist beyond the year 2035 in the European Union.According to the luxury car manufacturer, the combustion engine remains a key technology for mobility and will likely still play an important role in the transportation industry after 2035.While the EU has laid out plans to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2035 as part of their efforts to cut down on carbon emissions, Porsche believes that internal combustion engines can continue to be improved and made more efficient with advancements in technology.The company also pointed out that the transition to electric vehicles will take time and that many people in the EU still prefer cars with traditional engines due to factors such as driving range and availability of charging infrastructure.Porsche emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in research and development for both internal combustion and electric engines in order to offer customers a choice and meet their needs.In addition, the automaker highlighted the economic impact of producing electric vehicles, stating that the shift to solely manufacturing EVs would result in job losses and significant disruption to the industry.Porsche concluded that a mix of different engine types is necessary in the automotive market and that

During the recent world debut of the Macan EV in Singapore, Porsche’s Chief Financial Officer, Lutz Meschke, made a surprising statement regarding the future of combustion engines. In an interview with Automotive News Europe, Meschke revealed, “There’s a lot of discussions right now around the end of the combustion engine. I think it could be delayed.” Despite widespread speculation about the eventual demise of combustion engines, Meschke’s words suggest that the future may not be as bleak as previously thought.

He mentioned the prohibition of selling new cars with traditional combustion engines in the European Union starting from 2035. To clarify, the ban specifically targets vehicles that produce harmful emissions, leaving room for hydrogen or synthetic fuel-powered combustion engines to potentially be permitted. In March of 2023, Reuters disclosed the European Commission’s proposed plan to permit the sale of new ICE cars post-2035 under the condition that they utilize eco-friendly fuels.

In September, the news outlet followed up with a report regarding an additional version urging car manufacturers to prove their vehicles’ capability to operate solely on e-fuels that have a net zero carbon impact.

The renowned brand, Porsche, predicts that by the year 2030, over 80 percent of their yearly global automobile deliveries will be electric vehicles (EVs). As a result of impending cybersecurity legislation, a gas-powered model will be retired in the European Union sooner than expected. The original Macan model will no longer be available by the end of this year, and its spot will be indirectly filled by the second-generation fully electric version. However, this new model will come with a significantly higher cost.

Lincoln plans to eliminate 100 dealerships in the United States by the end of this year. This decision comes as the luxury car brand looks to streamline its operations and focus on a more efficient distribution strategy.The move will affect approximately 3% of Lincoln’s dealer network in the US, which currently consists of around 3,000 locations. The company stated that these changes are part of a long-term plan to improve profitability and better serve customers.For impacted dealers, Lincoln will work closely with them to minimize any negative impact and help with transition plans. The brand also assured that customers in affected areas will still have access to convenient service and support through remaining dealerships.In addition to reducing its dealer count, Lincoln is also revamping its product lineup and marketing strategy. The brand recently announced plans to discontinue its popular sedan models and shift towards SUVs and electric vehicles.This change aligns with growing consumer demand for larger, more luxurious SUVs. It also reflects the brand’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Lincoln aims to have fully electric or hybrid versions of all its models by 2030.Despite the reduction in dealerships, Lincoln remains committed to providing exceptional customer experience. The brand is investing in digital technologies and modernizing its sales and service processes to

In the upcoming year, Ford’s high-end division intends to simplify its dealer network in the US. Following the elimination of 100 dealerships last year, a further 100 will be phased out by 2024. This results in Lincoln having approximately 400 retail locations by the conclusion of this year.

A large majority of dealers are closely associated with a Ford dealership. In an interview with Automotive News, Lincoln’s President, Dianne Craig, revealed that dealers who consent to the purchase will be given extra Ford stock as compensation. Furthermore, they will also have the opportunity to implement reward programs for customers who come back to make additional purchases.

In 2023, Buick, a prominent luxury brand from the United States, significantly reduced its number of dealerships, ending the year with around 1,000 showrooms. The parent company, General Motors, has put pressure on Buick dealers to make a choice: either invest in electric vehicle equipment and training or take a buyout. As a result, Buick ended the year with a 47% decrease in the number of dealers compared to the beginning of the year.

Sources: Automotive News Europe, Automotive News