The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has promised a “strategic dialogue” on the future of the automobile industry, against a backdrop of questions about European objectives for the transition to electric cars.
On Wednesday, in front of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, promised a “strategic dialogue” around the future of the automobile industry.
In a context of ecological transition and growing tensions, this announcement aims to respond to the growing concerns of European automobile manufacturers, particularly due to CAFE standards which are fast approaching and fines of several billion euros looming for the sector.
An electrical transition under high pressure
This is not new, the European climate strategy provides for the ban on new thermal vehicles by 2035. This measure, which is part of the objectives of reducing CO emissions2also imposes obligations on manufacturers from 2025. On this date, a tightening of the rules on emissions will come into force, accompanied by heavy fines for companies not respecting the quotas set.
Obviously, this turning point is a source of tension. Manufacturers, already faced with a slowdown in sales of electric cars, denounce the risk of economic asphyxiation. The issues are not limited to the sector: “Millions of jobs depend on this industry”underlined Ursula von der Leyen, calling for close cooperation between all stakeholders to find viable solutions.
The automotive industry in search of support
The European automotive sector is also under pressure due to increased competition from Chinese manufacturers. The latter benefit from significant public subsidies, sparking accusations of unfair competition. To protect its market, the European Union has decided to impose a surcharge of up to 35% on Chinese electric vehicles, in addition to the 10% already in force.
Germany, the main European industrial power and a major exporter of cars, opposed these new taxes, fearing retaliatory measures from Beijing. Berlin rallied Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia and Malta to its cause, but failed to block this measure at European level.
Faced with a “deep and disruptive transition”European manufacturers are calling for urgent support measures. The erosion of electric car sales, combined with the challenges of investing in new technologies, is adding to their burden. Ursula von der Leyen is committed to leading “herself” discussions to support this key sector in its transformation. The door no longer seems so closed at the European level compared to a few weeks ago, it remains to be seen how all this will take shape, with only one month before the deadline for the new CAFE standards to come into force.
Source: www.autoplus.fr
