The "historic error" qualification made by Pedro Sánchez is part of a broad package of measures presented by the European Commission (EC) designed to strengthen the competitiveness of the automotive sector across the continent.

The core of the EC proposal consists of relaxing emission targets for manufacturers. Furthermore, it opens the door for certain plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles with combustion engines to continue being marketed beyond the 2035 deadline.

In contrast to the position of the Spanish Government, the association of automobile and truck manufacturers, Anfac, received the proposal positively. According to a statement, the entity believes the measure allows for more effective compatibility between the need to reduce CO2 emissions and maintaining competitiveness and employment in Europe, reaffirming the sector's climate ambition.

Other Spanish employers' associations also applauded the package. The automotive suppliers' association, Sernauto, commented that the introduced flexibility marks a turning point. Meanwhile, the distribution employers' association, Ganvam, celebrated that the proposal aims to guarantee middle and working-class access to electric mobility through the promotion of affordable models.