EU Regulations Could Spell the End for Scores of AMG Models
Though strict regulations have been known for years, manufacturers like AMG are frantically changing lineups to meet EU laws.
Laws for emissions in Europe are becoming more strict in 2021, and for Mercedes-AMG, the quick fix for that problem is to put the axe to a number of AMG models. As unfortunate as it may seem, AMG might not have any other choice to get around those strict EU regulations.
The problem stems from manufacturers and the European Union alike. Manufacturers only have themselves to blame, as they had a number of years to reduce CO2 emissions. The 2015 mandate required a fleet-wide average of 135G/km. The 2021 regulations reduce that to just 95g CO2/km. According to a report from Jalopnik, Mercedes still sits at 138g CO2/km, so they are way off the mark.
Gasoline particulate filters are now being implemented in some Mercedes models, even some AMG models, but with the rules mandating 95g CO2/km as a fleet-wide average, it would seem more effective to completely eliminate the worst offenders. For instance, the G63 AMG is rated by Mercedes to put out about 300g CO2/km, nearly three times the allowable limit. Elimination of models like that are what European dealers are fearing. Mercedes, however, believes they can hit their marks. Ola Kallenius, board member of Diamler AG stated, “What we can’t control is buyer behavior, but we have the technologies within our portfolio to get within target range.”
Losing the European market would put a sizable dent in Daimler AG’s profits, but not all hope is lost. The market demand in the US for these models is still quite high and we likely won’t see any AMG models snatches away. Thats not to say that we might see a slight thinning of availability for some future AMG SUV models.
Mercedes does have hybrid technology on their AMG models in the form of the E53 AMG, although in terms of hybrid tech, it is of little impact on reducing emissions. The E53 still produces twice the allowed amount. Even the A35 produces 105 percent allowable limit. But making the AMG more friendly to the air might be a moot point. The problem is fleet-wide averages. Mercedes could essentially focus attention on the volume sellers and perhaps let the AMG models be a bit “dirty” so to speak. At least that’sat we can hope for.
Photos: Mercedes-AMG
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