Leaseurope’s advocacy gains ground on clean corporate vehicles

In December 2025, the European Commission adopted its proposal for a Regulation on Clean Corporate Vehicles, aimed at accelerating the uptake of zero- and low-emission vehicles in corporate fleets across the European Union. The proposal introduces mandatory national targets for the share of clean vehicles in corporate fleets, including company cars as well as leasing and rental fleets. 

The proposal is currently being examined by both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. Before the legislation can be finalised, both institutions must establish their respective negotiating positions and enter interinstitutional negotiations with the Commission, the so-called trilogue. 

Given the central role that leasing and rental companies play in vehicle renewal cycles and fleet electrification, the proposal has significant implications for our sector and for the wider automotive ecosystem. 

Legislative process: where things stand

In the European Parliament, co-rapporteurs Tiemo Wölken (S&D) and François Kalfon (S&D) published their draft report in May 2026 within the Transport (TRAN) and Environment (ENVI) Committees. The report proposes a more ambitious approach than the Commission's original text. 

Notably, the rapporteurs propose increasing the EU-wide minimum share of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in corporate fleets to 54% by 2030, compared with 45% in the Commission proposal. The combined target for low- and zero-emission vehicles would also increase to 70%. 

The draft report further proposes that, from 2035 onwards, only fully zero-emission vehicles would count towards compliance targets, effectively removing low-emission vehicles from the framework. Additional measures also include a proposal to progressively limit public support schemes to electric vehicles only. The European Parliament is expected to adopt its negotiating position in November 2026. 

In the Council of the EU, the proposal is now facing substantial resistance. A growing number of Member States have expressed reservations either about the proposal as a whole or about its current design. This has slowed progress and created meaningful opportunities to influence the final outcome. 

Leaseurope: Actions and next steps

When the proposal was first published, it benefited from significant political support and was widely perceived as a file that would move rapidly through the legislative process. Through a targeted and evidence-based advocacy strategy, Leaseurope helped reframe the debate by highlighting the potential economic, operational and market consequences the proposal would carry for the leasing and rental industry. 

Working closely with like-minded stakeholders and industry partners, Leaseurope contributed to building a broad coalition of opposition and concern across both the European Parliament and the Council. This coalition has significantly changed the political dynamics surrounding the file. 

While in the Council the proposal is now facing substantial resistance, in the European Parliament several members tabled amendments based on suggestions developed by Leaseurope, either rejecting key elements of the proposal or substantially modifying its approach. These amendments focus on preserving market flexibility and avoiding unintended consequences for fleet operators and vehicle affordability. 

Importantly, Leaseurope successfully coordinated a wide range of stakeholders around a consistent, evidence-based narrative. This collective effort has strengthened the sector's visibility, credibility and influence throughout the legislative process and ensured that policymakers are fully aware of the practical implications of the initiative. 

In the coming months, our priority will be to influence negotiations ahead of the Parliament's vote and to continue engaging with Member States in the Council. We will work to ensure that any future framework remains realistic, economically viable and supportive of a market-driven transition towards cleaner mobility.