EU Parliament committee votes to soften 2035 car CO2 target
The European Parliament's environment committee voted 48 to 30 to cut the 2035 CO2 reduction target for new cars from 100% to 87.5%, with up to 7.5 more points available through credits for low-carbon steel made in the EU. The full Parliament votes in December, after which the text must be agreed with member states.
Our thoughts If adopted, the change keeps European makers developing combustion and plug-in hybrid models beyond 2035, which supports the drivetrains most GCC buyers still choose.
UAE caps vehicle registrations at five per person from 2027
New executive regulations under the UAE federal traffic law take effect on 1 January 2027. An individual resident may register up to five vehicles, with an extra fee, not yet set, for the third to the fifth. Registration will cost AED400 (USD109) and renewal AED350 (USD95) plus AED150 (USD41) for inspection, some light vehicles up to six years old may be registered for two years, and right-hand-drive vehicles are limited to display use.
Our thoughts Dealers and leasing companies should model how the new per-vehicle fees and the five-car ceiling affect multi-car households, one of the UAE's steadier sources of repeat sales.
Saudi Arabia recalls 1,262 RAM pick-ups over trailer-brake fault
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Commerce has announced a recall of 1,262 RAM 1500, 2500 and 5500 trucks from the 2025 and 2026 model years. A fault in the trailer control module can stop a towed trailer's lights and brakes from working; the truck's own brakes are unaffected. Petromin Stellantis will carry out the repairs.
Our thoughts Saudi recalls are announced by the ministry and run by the local distributor, so importers of US-built pick-ups should plan for the cost and workshop capacity of campaigns like this.
Thailand raises excise tax on imported EVs to 35% from 2027
Thailand's cabinet has approved raising the excise tax on imported battery-electric vehicles from 10% to 35%, and on imported range-extender EVs from 15% to 35%, from 1 January 2027. The government says it will offer reduced-rate incentive packages to investors that set up or expand manufacturing in Thailand, to protect local jobs and its role as a regional export hub. Some Chinese brands, including Leapmotor and Voyah, are studying local assembly.
Our thoughts Thailand links tax relief directly to local manufacturing, a working model for GCC governments that want assembly plants; it is also likely to deepen Chinese and Japanese production in a country that already ships pick-ups and SUVs to the Gulf.
Briefs summarise reporting by the outlets linked under each item; follow the links for the original. Our thoughts are our own view, for general information only and not advice. See our disclaimer.
