This Directive of the European Union sets targets for the reuse, recycling and recovery of the parts and materials in end-of-life vehicles (ELV). In the future, most automotive parts and materials must be reused, recycled or recovered. The minimum percentages to be reached from 2006 onwards are 80% for reuse and recycling (85% including thermal recovery). These minimum levels are intended to be raised in 2015, when they will be set at 85% (95% including thermal recovery). These measures will not apply, however, to vehicles with small production runs of less than 500 vehicles per year in each Member State. According to the European Commission, the motor industry in the EU represents 34% of world output of motor vehicles.
The directive also encourages vehicle manufacturers, in liaison the material and equipment manufacturers, to limit the use of hazardous substances in vehicles and to reduce them as far as possible. The use of an increased quantity of recycled material in new vehicles in order to develop the markets for recycled materials should also be encouraged.