On Friday, the European Commission (EC) approved the establishment of a joint venture between Santander Consumer Leasing B.V. (SCL), based in the Netherlands, and Ethias NV/SA (Ethias), based in Belgium, concluding that the operation does not raise competition concerns.
The joint venture, Ethias Lease, will focus on the creation and provision of eco-friendly electric vehicle operational leasing services and electromobility solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises and the public sector in Belgium.
SCL operates in the car financial leasing sector and is part of the Santander Group, a financial services group based in Spain, while Ethias is an insurer offering a variety of life and non-life insurance products, primarily operating in Belgium.
Brussels’ examination concluded that this merger would not raise competition concerns due to its “very limited” impact on the market structure.
The operation was conducted in accordance with the European Union’s Merger Regulation and was assessed under the simplified procedure for the control of concentration operations.
European Agenda 2030: Beyond rental vehicles of Santander
The year 2022 emerged as a milestone in the transition towards electric mobility in Europe, marked by the enactment of pivotal regulations that outline the path to a more sustainable future on the agenda.
The resolution to phase out internal combustion engines by 2035, approved by the European Parliament, set a clear framework for the gradual elimination of vehicle emissions.
As 2023 unfolds, Europe faces a series of challenges and opportunities that will require careful consideration of the European Commission’s agenda.
The proposal for a Regulation by the European Commission is progressing through the European Parliament and the Council.
A crucial milestone is on the horizon: during the Spanish Presidency, which began on July 1 and extends throughout the second half of the year, the Council will need to adopt its “General Approach.”
The European Parliament will define its final position between September and October, marking the start of trilogue discussions between the Commission, the Parliament, and the Council.
This process, in addition to influencing the direction of European policies, will lay the groundwork for electric and sustainable mobility in the continent regarding heavy transportation.
Within the context of this year’s governmental program, the adoption of bold measures stands out, ranging from emissions reduction in transportation to carbon removal certification.
One of the noteworthy initiatives is the “Green Corporate Fleets Initiative,” an integral facet of the European Green Deal.
The highlight of 2022 was the ban on sales of vehicles with internal combustion engines, a milestone that signifies the beginning of a new era in European mobility.
This decision, aligning with emissions reduction goals, opens doors to additional measures to drive the adoption of zero-emission vehicles across the entire region.
Consequently, the European Commission is currently designing specific legal frameworks for both private and public fleets.
These guidelines, which are also linked to the review of the Clean Vehicles Directive (CVD), reflect the member states’ commitment to lead by tangible examples, expediting the electrification of governmental fleets.
Digitization, as a facilitator of efficient and multimodal mobility, is another crucial aspect of this transformation.
The proposal to establish a “European common mobility data space” aims to drive innovation and optimize resource utilization in this sector.
The focus also extends to freight transportation logistics, with the “greening” strategy aiming to reduce emissions and pollution as we progress towards smarter and more sustainable mobility.
While an emphasis is placed on increasing rail traffic, road freight vehicles are not excluded from the equation.
The initiative by the European Association for Electromobility (AVERE) to implement carbon credit programs introduces an innovative dimension to emissions reduction.
However, these programs also raise questions about their potential impact on the funding of sectors such as biofuels and e-fuels.
The revision of the regulations reflects a strong commitment to sustainable resource management.
