The episode outlines the strong opposition from Volvo and Polestar leadership concerning the likely revision of the European Union’s 2035 Green Deal, a change sought by member states including Germany and Italy. CEOs Håkan Samuelsson and Michael Lohscheller warn that easing the electric vehicle mandate will significantly slow European technological progress and grant a decisive competitive advantage to Chinese manufacturers. Samuelsson advocates for strict regulations, likening mandatory electrification to essential safety requirements such as seatbelts, arguing that strict rules force necessary investment. The article notes the complexity arising from Volvo and Polestar being owned by the Chinese group Geely, suggesting their primary motivation is protecting their heavy existing investment in electric vehicles from competitors who might revert to thermal engine development. Ultimately, the executives believe that temporary gains from revising the deal will inevitably lead to greater long-term job losses and technological deficits for the European auto industry.

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