Europe Seeks to Loosen Safety Rules for Small City Cars to Combat chinese Competition – A Deep Dive
Headline: EU Considers Relaxing Vehicle Safety Standards as Chinese EVs Threaten european Automakers
Meta Description: Stellantis and Renault are urging the EU to ease regulations on small city cars to compete with cheaper Chinese electric vehicles. Will this spark a race to the bottom in safety, or unlock affordable mobility for European consumers?
Article:
European car giants Stellantis and Renault are making a direct appeal to the European Commission, requesting a review of stringent safety and technical regulations governing small city cars. The automakers argue that current standards are so demanding they hinder their ability to compete with significantly cheaper models, particularly the influx of electric vehicles (EVs) from China [[source article]].The “M0” Category: A European “Kei Car”?
The proposed solution centers around the creation of a new vehicle category, tentatively named “M0.” This category would encompass city cars designed with simpler equipment, reduced weight, and a shorter driving range. This concept mirrors Japan’s highly accomplished “Kei Cars” – compact, low-emission vehicles known for their