14/2/2025 |Articles are machine translated
European Commission opens key debate on the future of the automotive industry - AutoSAP calls for concrete action instead of endless debate. | Photo: European Commission
Opening a strategic dialogue and public consultation on the future of the automotive industry is a step in the right direction. However, given the urgency of the challenges facing the sector, Europe needs concrete solutions, not endless discussions. We welcome the fact that this initiative by the European Commission creates the space for the necessary debate, but key measures must follow immediately.
The EU automotive sector is facing unprecedented regulatory burdens, high production costs and increasing global competition. Europe’s decarbonisation ambitions must therefore be complemented by a comprehensive industrial strategy that ensures stable investment conditions for European manufacturers.
“The European automotive industry stands at a historic crossroads. If we want it to remain the economic engine of the Czech and European economy, we need not only to define a long-term strategy, but also to fundamentally change the EU’s strict regulatory approach. Without an industrial policy that takes into account the realities of global competition, Europe risks becoming a mere outlet for foreign manufacturers and denying its climate ambitions instead of being a leader in innovation and manufacturing,” warns Zdeněk Petzl, Executive Director of the Czech Automotive Industry Association.
AutoSAP’s key priorities for the future of the European automotive industry are therefore:
More detailed proposals and recommendations from the AutoSAP on the public consultation can be found in the full response that accompanies this report.
AutoSAP will continue to engage actively with European institutions and partners to ensure that the new Automotive Action Plan leads to practical solutions to promote growth and prosperity.
