The AME: a new European voice to accelerate the transition to decarbonisation
Officially created on 20 March 2025 in Amsterdam, the AME marks a turning point in the representation of the automotive sector to the European institutions. The alliance now brings together eight national associations of distributors and automotive professionals: Mobilians (France), ZDK (Germany), BOVAG (Netherlands), GANVAM (Spain), Traxio (Belgium), AutoBranchen (Denmark), AKL (Finland) and ARAN (Portugal).
It is co-chaired by Xavier Horent, Managing Director of Mobilians, and Kurt-Christian Scheel of Germany's ZDK, illustrating a commitment to leadership in European green mobility.
An under-represented but essential sector
The AME was set up in response to the fact that although the automotive distribution, after-sales and service professions account for more than 50 % of jobs in the automotive sector in Europe, their voice remained marginal in the Brussels debates. Yet it is these professionals who are in daily contact with consumers and businesses. In fact, they are familiar with the real constraints and expectations of the latter. This proximity to the field gives the AME particular legitimacy in proposing concrete, applicable solutions.
Xavier Horent explains it well: "Representation of the sales and after-sales sector, and more broadly the automotive and mobility services sector, in Brussels is an essential element in the development of European public policy [...]. The ambition behind the creation of this new alliance [...] is above all a quest for efficiency in order to bring the voice of our sector's leaders to the highest level and to maintain close relations with manufacturers, equipment suppliers and parts distributors."
A pragmatic position on the 2035 deadline
Contrary to some of the rhetoric that could call into question the very objective of the end of thermal power, the AME is taking a constructive stance. The association does not dispute the 2035 climate ambition, but it is calling for a review of the methodology. In its view, a metric based solely on tailpipe emissions ignores upstream emissions and discourages cost-effective alternatives.
This pragmatic approach aims to broaden the range of technological solutions while genuinely accelerating decarbonisation, including that of the existing vehicle fleet.
A structured roadmap
As part of the public consultation launched by the European Commission, the AME submitted a set of proposals focusing on a number of areas.
The association is calling for recognition of a Carbon Correction Factor (CCF) to recognise renewable and climate-neutral energy vectors, alongside electric vehicles with a low energy consumption. battery.
It also proposes extending tax exemptions for non-polluting vehicles until 2035. The immediate deduction of a capped portion of the purchase price from taxable income as an alternative to complex subsidies was also mentioned.
The association is also calling for a massive roll-out of recharging infrastructure.
Lastly, it calls for simplification of monitoring and reporting procedures using effective digital tools.
The AME roadmap therefore stands out for its systemic vision of the ecological transition for the entire mobility ecosystem.
A vision of decarbonisation that goes beyond tailpipe emissions
Current European regulations measure CO2 emissions from vehicles exclusively at the tailpipe. While this metric has the advantage of simplicity, it overlooks a more complex reality: the real carbon impact of a vehicle is not limited to its use. It begins with its production and depends on the origin of the energy it consumes.
It is precisely this approach that AME wishes to change, by proposing a more comprehensive and equitable vision of the decarbonisation of the automotive sector.
Broadening the spectrum of solutions with the Carbon Correction Factor (CCF)
One of AME's key proposals is to introduce a Carbon Correction Factor (CCF) into the methodology for calculating emissions. In practical terms, this mechanism would recognise and reward the use of renewable and climate-neutral energy carriers. A vision that goes beyond battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Recognising the diversity of low-carbon energies
The FCC would pave the way for official recognition of several complementary solutions: renewable fuels such as HVO100 (synthetic diesel) and B100 (biodiesel), certified green electricity, hydrogen produced from renewable energies, etc. This approach would make it possible to immediately decarbonise part of the vehicle fleet without waiting for it to be completely replaced. This is a major challenge, given that the average life of a commercial vehicle is well over ten years.
Promoting hybrid vehicles as transitional solutions
The AME is also calling for greater consideration to be given to hybrid, plug-in hybrid and range-extender vehicles.autonomy in the ecological transition trajectory. These technologies, often seen as compromises, could, according to the association, represent an essential step in a strategy of gradual decarbonisation. They could reduce C02 emissions today and, above all, familiarise drivers with electric motoring so that they are ready for the arrival of 100 % electric vehicles within their infrastructure.
For Beev, switching to electric vehicles is the economically rational solution that is in line with European climate objectives. Our expertise enables us to support companies step by step in this change, whatever their sector of activity.
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The importance of the existing vehicle fleet: measuring real decarbonisation
In addition to sales of new vehicles, the AME draws attention to a major blind spot in the current regulations: the impact of the existing vehicle fleet.
In Europe, there are more than 250 million vehicles on the road every day, and it would take several decades to replace them all. To fill this gap, the association is proposing the introduction of a fleet indicator which would measure the actual decarbonisation of the fleet in circulation. This indicator would make it possible to assess the real impact of public policies and the efforts of economic players. It would take into account second-hand electric vehicles as well as conversions to alternative fuels and the actual rate at which the most polluting vehicles are phased out.
Finally, the AME stresses the need to regulate passenger cars and light commercial vehicles separately. Light commercial vehicles, which are essential to the activities of many VSEs and SMEs, have their own specific constraints: heavy loads, long daily range or the need for rapid recharging during the day. They also have different infrastructure requirements, with a greater dependence on fast-charging stations at their place of business.
This demand for differentiated trajectories recognises a simple reality: decarbonising a fleet of commercial vehicles requires greater investment and organisational adaptations than for company vehicles.
At Beev, we see on a daily basis that electrification projects for commercial vehicles require a much more detailed analysis of actual usage, charge cycles and return on investment.
Putting consumers and businesses back at the heart of the transition
The reality of the market reveals a worrying gap between the ambitions for decarbonisation and the actual take-up of electric vehicles. AME is putting this issue back at the heart of the debate: to make a success of the ecological transition, it is essential to remove the practical obstacles that are still holding back companies and private individuals from switching to electric mobility.
Current barriers to adoption
In Europe, battery electric vehicles accounted for 15.6 % of registrations in the first half of 2025. This is still not enough to achieve the target of 100 % zero-emission vehicles by 2035. A number of obstacles persist and are slowing down the conversion of professional fleets:
- The cost of acquisition
Despite the gradual reduction in battery production costs and the launch of electric city cars at more affordable pricesHowever, the purchase price of an electric vehicle is still higher than that of its internal combustion equivalent. For a VSE or SME that has to replace several vehicles at the same time, this difference represents a substantial financial outlay that can put a strain on cash flow. Although the total cost of ownership (TCO) quickly becomes favourable to electric vehicles thanks to savings on energy and maintenance, the initial investment remains a major psychological and financial obstacle.
At Beev, we see that the cost of entry is often the number one concern for company directors, even before questions of autonomy or infrastructure. That's why optimising support and analysing TCO in detail are crucial stages in any electrification project.
- Uncertainty about residual value
Fleet managers are rightly concerned about the residual value of electric vehicles. With a market that is still in its infancy and rapidly evolving technology, it can be difficult for companies to make reliable budget forecasts for the lifetime of their vehicles.
That said, this problem should gradually disappear as the market matures and battery health indicators become standardised. Electric vehicles, with fewer wearing parts and greater mechanical durability, should eventually have a more stable residual value than combustion vehicles.
- Insufficient recharging infrastructure
The coverage of public recharging infrastructure is improving, but remains uneven across the country. For companies whose employees make long journeys or use their business vehicles intensively, access to reliable fast-charging stations is an essential prerequisite. It's precisely for this reason that the installation of on-site charging stations represents an effective solution for corporate fleets.
The AME, a framework structured around three priority action levers
| PILARS | CONCRETE TARGETS |
|---|---|
| Mass deployment of electric recharging infrastructure | - Installation of on-site charging stations - Installation of a dense and reliable fast-charging network on major routes |
| Simplification of monitoring procedures and digitisation | - Development of digital tools to automate emissions monitoring and regulatory reporting - Simplification of reporting and compliance procedures |
| Recalibration of excess emissions premiums | - Ensuring that sanctions really do encourage substantial and lasting emissions reductions - Avoid opportunistic optimisation strategies |
The message is clear: electric mobility now has all the fundamentals it needs to become the norm. Companies that start electrifying now will benefit from a favourable regulatory framework.
What impact will this have on your company fleet?
The proposals put forward by the AME to the European Commission are more than just a debate between experts: they set out the regulatory and fiscal framework in which all businesses will operate in the coming years.
If the proposed tax measures are adopted, the economic equation for electric vehicles will become even more favourable. And companies that have already made the transition will benefit in two ways: they will have anticipated and mastered their learning curve, and they will be able to take full advantage of the new measures to accelerate the renewal of their fleets.
Anticipate rather than suffer
If the2035 deadline may seem a long way off, waiting until the last few years to switch to electric vehicles can expose us to a number of risks. For example, there could be pressure on the availability of vehicles, potential pressure on prices, limited installation capacity for recharging infrastructure and even a lack of feedback to optimise the company's choices. By planning now, you can identify the organisational changes you need to make to ensure your business runs smoothly.
What's more, the electric vehicle market is evolving rapidly: each year brings its own improvements in terms of range, recharging time and price. By familiarising yourself with this technology now, you're already developing in-house expertise.
What's more, by looking ahead you can benefit from a cumulative cost advantage. Every year that you use an electric vehicle generates substantial savings on fuel and maintenance. By starting your transition today, you can accumulate additional years of operating savings.
Finally, the electrification of your fleet is a strategic differentiator. As well as simply complying with regulations, many companies are now including environmental criteria in their calls for tenders. Having an electric fleet can become a decisive selling point against competitors who don't have one. Communicating on a concrete approach to decarbonisation and illustrating it with a visible electric fleet strengthens your position as a responsible company.
3 good reasons to choose Beev to go electric
- TCO, usage and infrastructure
At Beev, we know that each company has its own specific characteristics that make a standardised approach impossible. That's why we start every project with an in-depth, in-depth analysis of your situation.
- Assistance with grants and taxation
The range of support available for the purchase of electric vehicles is constantly evolving: ecological bonus, conversion premium, regional support, tax exemptions. Companies that don't keep abreast of these developments on a daily basis run the risk of missing out on significant financial opportunities. That's why we keep a constant watch on all national and regional support schemes.
- Residual value and life cycle management
We support you throughout the entire lifecycle of your vehicles, from acquisition to use. Our aim: to turn your electric fleet into a high-performance, profitable asset, perfectly aligned with your decarbonisation objectives.
Conclusion
The proposals submitted by the AME to the European Commission mark an important stage in the debate on the end of combustion engines in 2035. Far from calling into question the objective of decarbonisation, European car distributors are calling for a more pragmatic and inclusive approach.
This roadmap recognises an essential reality: climate targets are not negotiable, but the paths to achieving them must take account of a multitude of factors.
For companies, this transition represents much more than a regulatory constraint. It is an opportunity for modernisation, cost optimisation and competitive differentiation.
Green mobility is no longer a distant prospect, it's a reality that's accessible and effective today.
