[mitchellgoffpc]

Sure, you could definitely argue that the EU’s strict environmental regulations make European auto manufacturers less competitive. On the other hand, these regulations are designed to promote social good, not the wellbeing of the manufacturers, and I think the laws are pretty much working in that regard by allowing Tesla to expand more quickly and forcing other automakers to take EV production more seriously. To be fair though, EU lawmakers probably didn’t foresee how long it would take for European automakers to jump on the EV bandwagon, and how much these regulations would help foreign competitors gain a foothold on their continent.

[tengbretson]

It depends on the timelines on which you are measuring success. If these regulations get all-electric car ubiquity to arrive 5 years earlier, but in the process causes many domestic firms to shutdown, consolidate, etc. we may be sacrificing the competitiveness and innovation in this industry 25-50 years down the road.

It may be that this is a valid trade off to make, but it warrants thought at the very least.

[woodpanel]

A trade off, generating lots of low hanging election fruits for as long as disgruntled voters are reminded they voted for something else, than said trade off.

[rapsey]

> On the other hand, these regulations are designed to promote social good, not the wellbeing of the manufacturers, and I think the laws are pretty much working in that regard by allowing Tesla to expand more quickly and forcing other automakers to take EV production more seriously.

Great. I look forward to my unemployed well being when the largest EU industry collapses.

[aurizon]

The seeds for unemployment are germinating as we speak. Expect the apparent fact that e-cars have a huge advantage in manufacturing simplicity wihc grants huge automation based speed of production. Some will specialize in making 'skates' - this is a 4 wheeled battery with motor, wheel, brakes and computer/dashboard package that is called a skate. On which a unibody is bolted.m This unibody is similarly highly favorable to automation. Some say only 20% of the work force will be needed - as we see with Tesla's admittedly low volume the number per car is a lot lower and as automation improves, will decline,.. Will these workers go quietly? Now, never in a minute, esp the French, they will want fat wages for life, etc etc and agitate for that, even as they are laid off. The death of Italian and german auto sectors staffing looms over the next 20 years.

[TomMarius]

Well if you're anywhere in western EU, thanks to the social system, it shouldn't be destructive to you. Not that I support it, but I frequently hear support of it from the automotive industry people (especially VW and Skoda) - you should use it then.

[rapsey]

I don’t think wellfare will work when half the country is unemployed.

[TomMarius]

That sounds like a good opportunity to build new companies.

[mitchellgoffpc]

For the loser now will be later to win

For the times they are a-changin'

[mensetmanusman]

20-40% unemployment in Southern Europe...