The European Parliament has approved a new circular economy regulation for vehicles, set to take effect in 2028.
The legislation significantly broadens the scope of producer responsibility, extending requirements beyond passenger and light commercial vehicles to include heavy-duty trucks and motorcycles.
The expanded rules impose stricter obligations on manufacturers regarding the recyclability, repairability, and end-of-life management of their fleets.
For the automotive sector, this translates into increased compliance costs and potential supply chain adjustments as companies adapt to cover a wider range of vehicle types.
The move aligns with the EU’s broader industrial strategy to reduce waste and enhance resource efficiency across manufacturing sectors.
This regulatory development arrives as European automakers face mounting pressure from transatlantic trade tensions.