This Week in Automotive — Brussels (#30, 2026)
Commission launches Scaleup Europe Fund; CO2 performance values for 2024 vehicles published; Sector responds to new reporting requirements.
August 02, 2026 to August 08, 2026
Commission launches Scaleup Europe Fund; CO2 performance values for 2024 vehicles published; Sector responds to new reporting requirements.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Scaleup Europe Fund Begins Investments Across European Clean Tech
On 3 August 2026, the European Commission completed the legal establishment of the Scaleup Europe Fund, part of the European Innovation Council Fund. With EQT appointed as the investment manager—following a competitive selection—the vehicle is positioned to make direct investments in European scaleup companies, backed by both private and public capital. President Ursula von der Leyen described the fund as a tool to help local innovators reach global leadership without seeking capital from outside the Union. The fund has an investment target of €5 billion, with initial support from Novo Holdings, EIFO, CriteriaCaixa, Santander/Mouro Capital, Fondazione Compagnia di San Paolo together with Intesa Sanpaolo and Fondazione Cariplo, APG Asset Management for ABP, Wallenberg Investments, and Allianz. The first investments are expected soon. Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva underlined direct benefits for clean technologies, biotechnology, AI, and quantum sectors. The EU's contribution is underpinned by Horizon Europe.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1907 Sets 2024 CO2 Performance for Vehicle Manufacturers
Published on 5 August 2026, Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1907 specifies the average CO2 emissions and emission targets for manufacturers and pools of new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles for calendar year 2024, under Regulation (EU) 2019/631. The Decision reflects data verified from the competent authorities of all Member States, including revised and corrected figures following manufacturer notifications under Article 7(5). Annexes I-II detail compliance outcomes for 111 passenger car manufacturers and 78 of light commercial vehicles; 2 manufacturers from each category were found liable for excess emissions premiums. Implementation drew on in-service verification data from the Swedish Transport Authority and engages manufacturers operating under exemption rules outlined in Article 2(4). The Decision, signed by Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, is now in force (CELEX: 32026D1907).
What We're Reading This Week
- Self-driving startup approved to take taxi passengers in London: A self-driving startup has received clearance to operate autonomous taxis for public passengers throughout London.
