The circular economy comes to the car industry: the European Parliament wants more sustainable vehicles

One of the key changes is the requirement that manufacturers design new models to allow the removal and recovery of as many components as possible. The plastics used in vehicles must also contain an increasing proportion of recycled material: at least 15 per cent within six years of the regulations coming into force and 25 per cent within ten years. A significant proportion of these materials must come directly from the recovery of end-of-life vehicles and components that have already been used, thereby promoting a closed-loop recycling system.

The regulation also introduces new rules for the second-hand car market. In the case of sales by professional dealers, it will be necessary to prove that the vehicle is not end-of-life or to present a valid MOT certificate. For sales between private individuals, the requirements will be more limited in order to avoid excessive red tape.

Particular attention is paid to the management of end-of-life vehicles. Three years after the new provisions come into force, the principle of extended producer responsibility will take effect: car manufacturers will have to bear the costs of collecting and treating end-of-life vehicles throughout the European Union. The rules on exports are also stricter: the regulation prohibits the export of vehicles declared unfit for use, a measure designed to combat the phenomenon of so-called “missing vehicles” and illegal dismantling practices.

The legislative proposal was presented by the European Commission in July 2023 as part of the Action Plan for the Circular Economy. The figures highlight the scale of the challenge: in 2023, 14.8 million motor vehicles were produced in the European Union, while the number of vehicles on the road reached 285.6 million. Every year, around 6.5 million vehicles reach the end of their life cycle.